Series: Part 1 • Part 2 • Part 3 • Part 4

About this series: "Your Health, Your Vote" is a four-part explainer designed to help Saint Lucians clearly understand what’s on the table in this election when it comes to healthcare. We strip away the political noise and compare the United Workers Party (UWP) and the Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) health proposals side-by-side — their costs, benefits, and challenges — so that you can make an informed, confident decision at the ballot box. Because in the end, the vote that matters most is the one that protects your family’s health.

Your Health, Your Vote (Part 2): Premiums vs Taxes—Who Pays, How Much, and For What?

Estimated read: 5 minutes

Two ways to fund care

• UWP Enhanced NHI: Monthly premiums from individuals and employers go into a health fund. You gain access to both public facilities and participating private providers.
• SLP UHC: Care is tax-funded and free at the point of service in public facilities. No premiums, no checkout bills.

What it means for different households

• Young professional in Castries: If you value choosing your private GP and faster specialist appointments, NHI’s network access may appeal — just budget for a monthly premium.
• Family of four in Choiseul: Predictable “free at the clinic” visits under UHC can remove financial stress. But plan for possible waits unless capacity expands.
• Self-employed vendor in Vieux Fort: NHI premiums are an extra monthly cost; UHC shifts cost into general taxes. Your choice depends on cash-flow comfort vs. tax-funded peace of mind.
• Retiree managing a chronic condition: UHC’s “no bill” rule makes frequent public clinic visits easier. NHI can help if you prefer specific private specialists — check what the benefit package covers.

Coverage & out-of-pocket

NHI (UWP): Coverage depends on the plan design — e.g., which drugs and procedures are included. Expect rules about referrals, networks and possible co-pays for some services.

UHC (SLP): Public-system services are free at the point of care. Private-only services or upgrades would still be out-of-pocket unless the public package includes them.

Admin & sustainability

• NHI: More moving parts — claims processing, provider contracts, fraud controls. Clear but complex administration.
• UHC: Simpler for patients; heavy lift for the state to build capacity, hire staff, and keep facilities funded through economic cycles.

Bottom line: Prefer predictable premiums and broad provider choice? You may lean UWP. Prefer free public care for everyone and simple access? You may lean SLP.

Note: Exact premiums, tax changes, and benefit lists will come from official documents. Always verify with the released manifestos.