This is a declaration from the Kingdom Representative, the Head of the Zorgverzekeringskantoor (Healthcare Insurance Office), Mrs. Fox and her team.
The Kingdom Representative invited Mrs. Fox last week, on Thursday April 18th for a meeting at the Office of the Kingdom Representative, in response to the action she started that same day for improvements in the health care system. This conversation with Mrs. Fox and her team took place Monday morning in the office building of the Belastingdienst (Tax Department, Bonaire).
All participants to the meeting agreed that the atmosphere was good and constructive. Amongst others the performance of the indication committee was discussed, the rights of the insured (patients), the continuity of the medical care, the procedure in case a patient is sent for medical care abroad and the complaints procedure. Parties agreed to meet again in another month.
The Head of the Zorgverzekeringskantoor (ZVK) promised to personally ensure that the indication committee shall perform according to its objective. In effect, a committee consisting of 3 persons shall review whether the medical reference complies with the rules agreed upon.
Only the patient decides on his or her treatment, in dialogue with the practitioner who treats him or her (the physician, the physiotherapist etc). ZVK decides on the compensation, according to the BES Health Care Decree. The practitioner gives the patient an explanation and advice on the treatment. He can also refer the patient to another practitioner who has a contract with ZVK. He does this by giving the patient a good referral letter. ZVK evaluates whether this treatment qualifies for compensation or not, based on the BES Health Care Decree and the advice of the indication committee. In addition, ZVK will arrange for the logistical aspects of the medical care abroad (hotels, tickets, daily allowance).
The patient, the practitioner and ZVK together have to cooperate to accomplish good health care.
Furthermore parties discussed the freedom of choice of the patient. Article 10, paragraph 4 of the BES Health Care Decree is applicable. This article deals with referrals (for which ZVK needs to give its approval) to practitioners who do not have a contract with ZVK. In such cases ZVK ascertains what the respective treatment will cost, if given by a practitioner that ZVK has a contract with (e.g. in Colombia). This amount will then be compensated.
The insured himself has to advance the costs; he can charge the costs afterwards. The ticket costs, accommodation costs, costs for a companion and the daily allowances will thus not be compensated. The regulations stipulated in article 10 are applicable for each insured person on Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba.
Lastly, it was pointed out during the meeting that the threshold to submit a complaint at ZVK needs to be lowered. Mrs. Fox and her team indicated that they are willing to help with this. These volunteers together will work out a more extensive proposal. ZVK was pleased with this offer.