Otto to push passage of health insurance bill this year
10 01 08 - 11:37
By Nazario Rodriquez Jr.
Horizon news staff
Senator Caleb Otto will push the passage of a bill relating to health insurance before the next national general elections in November.
Otto, who said last week that he will seek reelection, explained that the health insurance bill is more on medical savings plan and not just an ordinary insurance plan.
"I am optimistic that this will be successful. A percentage will go to the bank on your account," said Otto, who chairs the committee on health and education.
He said that the Social Security would administer the program.
"The good thing about this is that it’s still your money but the Social Security can invest the money when you can accumulate certain amount. The remainder could be used to buy insurance or the government may develop its own plan," Otto explained.
This system was pattered after that of Singapore.
Aside from health insurance, Otto will also continue to work on the tobacco bill, which was defeated at the House of Delegates.
"The world is going smoke free but it is a shame that Palau is going backward," he said.
He said that Palauans spend more on buying tobacco than food and this must be changed.
The total budget on health in 2008 is $6,957,258 or 11.7 percent of the national total budget of $59,465,551. It is the second highest among the Ministries.
Ministry of Resources and Development is on top with $7,385, 496 or 12 percent of the total budget.
Ministry Education has the third highest with $6,398,793 or 10 percent.