PLP: OBA FutureCare poll is misleading

On the surface, the recent news that a poll shows that the majority of Bermudians on FutureCare are pleased with the level of service and cost is good news.   This poll however reflects conditions, terms and standards established under the PLP BEFORE punitive increases were put into place on our most vulnerable seniors by the OBA.

The One Bermuda Alliance knew that they intended to raise the cost of FutureCare on the seniors who could least afford it, yet they conducted this poll BEFORE this was revealed.  It is disingenuous at best and intellectually dishonest at worst to trumpet these results as an OBA achievement when a poll taken after this heartless increase on our most vulnerable seniors was implemented would paint a very different picture.

It is very disturbing to learn that 16.6% of doctors have requested full, upfront payments from our seniors for medical treatment.  On our watch the PLP took action to eliminate this hurtful practice, protecting our people during this dire economic crisis.   It is troubling that the OBA appears to not only have allowed the law to be broken, but is condoning it.

The OBA has to date also refused to answer questions about whether they support increasing FutureCare policy holder’s prescription benefits for needy seniors.  This is a critical issue as many continue to be deprived of needed medication because of the high costs.  This creates increased medical costs, anxiety and health issues for people who after building this country, deserve better.  This must be addressed, but the OBA won’t even acknowledge the problem.

In just a few months, the OBA has revealed itself to be focused on photo ops, taking credit for PLP accomplishments and rewarding those who need it least, at the expense of those who are suffering the most.

A clear pattern of being unwilling or unable to answer questions Is forming which doesn’t bode well for neither the Cannonier administration, nor the people of Bermuda.  This is not the type of change most Bermudians expected.