Today’s Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) data shows private health insurance membership continues to increase.
People with cover for hospital treatment grew by 89,000 during the June to September 2023 quarter, while those with extras cover for services such as dental, optical and physio increased by 86,000.
Members Health Fund Alliance CEO, Matthew Koce, described the increase as another demonstration of the value Australians attach to the fast, dependable high-quality healthcare delivered through the private system.
“Health insurance membership has gone from strength to strength, reaching an all-time high of over 14.66 million, reinforcing the indispensable role that the private system plays in caring for the health of Australians.”
“The more than 55% of all Australians who are members of a health fund get peace of mind over fast access to high quality care with doctor of choice – but just as importantly, they also help ease pressure on our overstretched public hospitals by freeing up beds for those who need them most,” said Mr Koce.
“Members Health funds are not for profit and member owned, so are entirely consumer driven. One of our biggest concerns is the enormous pressure primary healthcare is experiencing.”
“To help improve sustainability, affordability and accessibility of primary healthcare, we would like Government to urgently start a conversation about how to draw on assistance from the private health insurance system. It makes no sense that health insurance funds can assist with covering highly successful dental, optical and physio services but are prohibited by Government from supporting their members with a trip to the GP.”
Members Health is the peak industry body for an alliance of 25 health funds that are not-for-profit or part of a member-owned group, regional or community based. They all share the common ethic of putting their members’ health before profit. Our funds represent the interests of more than 5.3 million Australians.
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