1. Establishing Universal Healthcare and Expanding Accessibility

At its core, universal healthcare coverage is centred around one main goal: ensuring that every resident, regardless of income, can obtain the care they need to live a healthy life. 

Bermuda is in need of transformative healthcare reform. Without it, people will continue to be unable to afford the medical care they need. Some are forced to go without life-changing or life-saving prescriptions because of cost and lack of coverage. Many in our community are underinsured or uninsured.

Universal healthcare is about building a healthcare system that works for all Bermuda’s residents, regardless of their social or financial status, and addressing gaps in coverage and affordability. The PLP has heard the concerns of those struggling with access to affordable healthcare and coverage and is committed to providing it for all. 

The PLP is committed to:

• Implementing a universal healthcare system focused on efficiency, prevention, and primary care, guaranteeing that every resident has access to necessary medical services with reduced co-pays.
• While we work toward universal healthcare, HIP will be expanded to include an annual preventative doctor visit, and FutureCare will be expanded to include a specialist visit and enhanced prescription coverage, reducing out-of-pocket costs for residents or participants.
• Enhancing the current maternity benefit to include well-baby services and increasing support for expectant and new mothers under universal healthcare.
• Dedicating a repurposed school premises to be converted into a state-of-the-art physical rehabilitation centre, providing comprehensive care and support for patients requiring long-term therapy and recovery services.
• Implementing a national plan for adults with intellectual disabilities.
• Enforcing a ban on industrially produced trans fats to promote healthier dietary options and reduce health risks associated with trans fat consumption.
• Restricting the availability of flavoured vaping products to protect public health, especially among young people.
• Enacting legislative changes to increase rights, accessibility, and opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

2. Prioritising Mental Health and Wellness

Every individual deserves access to the resources that allow them to maintain their mental well-being and live fulfilling lives.

Mental health and wellness are essential to our community's continued strength and success. For too long, financial barriers have prevented many who need help from accessing mental health and wellness services. 

The PLP is committed to removing the stigma surrounding mental health in Bermuda and ensuring these vital services are affordable and accessible to everyone.

The PLP is committed to:

• Recognising trauma as a significant issue affecting our collective well-being both physically and mentally, highlighting the need for key institutions to address its widespread impact and reframe its interactions with the public, such as the criminal justice system, health, educational, and other support institutions.
• Increasing funding for mental health services to provide comprehensive support and enhance mental health infrastructure across the island, beyond existing institutions.
• Encouraging the use of telehealth services to increase access to quality physical and mental healthcare for all Bermudians.
• Expanding counselling and ensuring access to adequate mental health and wellness care under universal healthcare. 
• Conducting a comprehensive review of the Mental Health Act 1968 with a view to modernising current processes to provide greater protection, participation, and transparency for those who interact with Bermuda's public mental health services.
• Expanding roles within government for licensed therapists and counsellors while establishing dedicated career opportunities to significantly increase the number of Bermudian mental health professionals.