ACT party of New Zealand has called for a radicle transformation in the country's healthcare and insurance landscape. ACT party leader and soon-to-be country's deputy prime minister Mr David Seymore said the citizens should have the option to opt out of the public health system in exchange for private insurance funding.
Mr Seymore has always advocated increased privatisation of public services including healthcare, housing, and education. Recently delivering his ‘State of the Nation’ address in Auckland, he said government’s ownership of assets has been totally ineffective and failed to deliver sufficient returns for taxpayers.
“We need to get past squeamishness about privatisation.” Mr Seymour said, “How many people here would give up their right to the public healthcare system if they got NZD6,000 ($3426) for their own private insurance?”
Mr Seymour’s proposal suggests allocating the approximate NZD6,000 per capita government healthcare expenditure directly to individuals who opt for private health insurance. This plan, he argued, would grant New Zealanders more choice and allow them to seek private healthcare options.
Critics have, however, raised concerns that such a policy would exacerbate inequalities within the healthcare system, as private insurance may remain unaffordable for many despite the proposed funding. The proposal has also drawn criticism from public sector advocates.