Calls for all sides of government to commit to restoring the full 30% private health insurance rebate
The peak body for not-for-profit community based and member owned health insurers has called on all sides of government to commit to restoring the full 30% private health insurance rebate as soon as budget circumstances allow.
“Until the full rebate is restored it is important that no further changes occur that would add to complexity, reduce affordability or place added pressure on public hospital waiting lists.” Matthew Koce, CEO of hirmaa said.
“Proposals to freeze the income thresholds for the Australian Government Rebate will result in higher premiums for those that can least afford it and runs the real risk of forcing thousands of Australians into the public hospital system at great cost to the Government.”
“Likewise, removing the Australian Government Rebate from Natural Therapies is unlikely to deliver any significant savings to Government. Consumers will likely to switch from natural therapies, such as massage, to another treatment that is more expensive to government but retains the rebate, such as Chiro or Physio.”
“Private health insurance is complicated enough as it is and any changes to the rebate will only further add to that complexity while at the same time adding to affordability pressures for consumers and driving up public hospital waiting lists.” Mr Koce said.
hirmaa is the national peak body for not-for-profit, community based and member owned health insurers. hirmaa insurers only exist to serve policyholders, not shareholders and cover over 1 million lives.
Download the PDF of this media release: Calls for all sides of government to commit to restoring the full 30% private health insurance rebate