Health Access Scheme: Rules

Information about the publication of Ministerial Decisions

A formal published “Ministerial Decision” is required as a record of the decision of a Minister (or an Assistant Minister where they have delegated authority) as they exercise their responsibilities and powers.

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demonstrating that good governance, and clear lines of accountability and authority, are in place around decisions-making – including the reasons and basis on which a decision is made, and the action required to implement a decision
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A decision made on 9 December 2020

Decision Reference: MD-S-2020-0089
Decision Summary Title :	DS – Health Access Scheme Rules		Date of Decision Summary:	8/12/2020
Decision Summary Author:	Senior Policy Officer		Decision Summary: Public or Exempt?	Public
Type of Report: Oral or Written?	Written		Person Giving Oral Report:	N/A
Written Report Title :	WR – Health Access Scheme Rules		Date of Written Report:	08/12/2020
Written Report Author:	Senior Policy Officer		Written Report: Public or Exempt?	Public
Subject: Health Access Scheme Rules
Decision(s): The Minister decided to introduce the Health Access Scheme.
Reason(s) for Decision: The Council of Ministers has committed to improving access to primary care. To deliver on this commitment the Minister for Social Security has developed a scheme under which eligible people may access general practice services for reduced fees. The scheme will initially be extended to all members of income support households (10,800 people) and all pension plus claimants (an additional 1,200 people) under a contract available to all general practices in Jersey. A standard contract has been agreed with Primary Care Body representatives which will run from December 2020 to February 2022.
Resource Implications: The project has been delivered using manpower and resources from Customer and Local Services, Health and Community Services, Modernisation and Digital, Strategic Policy, Planning and Performance and with support and input from local general practitioners and practice managers. External support to make changes to a third-party IT system and advise on the activity fee model was commissioned and delivered from a budget of £62,000. The scheme will be funded from the Health Insurance Fund. Contract costs are estimated at £1.74 million for 2021. Additional operational costs are estimated at less than £20,000 per year and will be provided from existing resource.
Action required: Policy officer to coordinate the implementation of the Health Access Scheme.
Signature: Deputy J A Martin		Position: Minister for Social Security
Date Signed:		Date of Decision (If different from Date Signed):