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The United Future Party on Health Care

Possibly the largest domestic issue in 2008, health care is a problem that is universally recognized and answered with a diversity of prescriptions from the candidates. Private versus government funded health care and the definition of "universal" care split the candidates across their respective policies. This topic includes information about candidate positions on: universal health care, privatization of health care, government support for health care through tax incentives, and employer assistance in obtaining health care.

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The issues

The United Future Party supports private-public partnerships/more private sector involvement in the health sector

The current public health system is failing to keep up with the demands being placed on it and will continue to do so unless demand is substantially reduced. At the same time there is under-utilised capacity in the private surgical sector. We would reduce waiting lists for elective surgery for those who are likely to wait longer than 6 months by requiring DHBs to contract out work to Private Hospitals.

The United Future Party strongly supports efforts to encourage New Zealanders to take out private health insurance

United Future will introduce tax concessions to recognise the savings created by those who choose to take out private health insurance, or pay for private treatment, prioritising those aged over 65. "We will also investigate the feasibility of a national health insurance scheme for non-trauma based disability, in particular elective surgery for the elderly," the party says.

The United Future Party supports the introduction of cheaper dental healthcare

United Future will broaden community services card coverage to include subsidies for basic dental check-ups and basic procedures. "We would also make dental visits cheaper by abolishing dentistry fees at university for students, thus slashing their debt."

The United Future Party strongly supports free doctors’ visits and prescriptions being offered to all children of primary school age

The party supports extending the scheme. "UnitedFuture would also reassess the efficacy of the national vision and hearing screening programme in schools, and expand access to optometrist tests for children with learning difficulties during primary school years," a party spokesman said. "We would target infant health by concentrating on the appropriate support for parents before and after birth and ensuring high-quality extended care and support, including home visits, by lead maternity carers and Plunket."

The United Future Party strongly opposes Pharmac extending the funding of the anti-cancer Herceptin from nine weeks to 12 months

A party spokesman says, "We respect the independence of Pharmac – their role is to get the best value for money out of our pharmaceutical budget and keeps politics and politicians out of funding decisions. Therefore we support the nie week funding that Pharmac recommends. To do otherwise would set a terrible precedent and open the door for funding to be controlled by lobby groups, politicians and drug companies."

The United Future Party is neutral on removing high fat/sugar foods from schools

United Future would support schools which want to reduce the availability of high fat/sugar food to students, but would not dictate to schools what they have to do.

The United Future Party supports opening ACC to competition from the private sector

United Future supports the continuation of the 'no-fault' regime and mandatory workplace accident insurance, but supports competition in the provision of accident compensation services.