Members Health has released a formal response to the comments made by Victorian Health Minister Jenny Mikakos on 22 April 2020, regarding the return of elective surgery procedures and the prioritisation of public and private patients.
“Our understanding is that elective surgery treatment will be based on the clinical need for surgery and will be determined by treating physicians,” said Matthew Koce, CEO of Members Health.
“Private patients should talk to their doctor about the scheduling of their surgery.”
“Health funds have been paying claims for elective surgery throughout the COVID-19 pandemonic period and will continue paying claims for their members into the future.”
“Following yesterday’s announcement by the Federal Government of a relaxing of elective surgery restrictions, we are hearing that many private patients are now being scheduled in for procedures such as joint replacements and cataracts, with work to commence immediately after the ANZAC Day weekend.”
“Our health funds help care for over 3 million lives and look forward to providing peace of
mind around access to the best possible treatment available for Australian families.”
Members Health is the peak industry body for an alliance of 27 health funds that are not-for-profit or part of a not-for-profit group, member owned, regional and community based. They all share the common ethic of putting their members’ health before profit. Our funds represent the interests of more than 3 million Australians.
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Eddie.Morton@membershealth.com.au
0499 700 295