Latest News
I helped create the seniors’ PHI rebate. Scrapping it is a false economy
Terry Barnes – The Australian Financial Review
The Australian Financial Review has reported on criticism of the federal government’s proposal to abolish the seniors’ private health insurance rebate, with concerns it could increase pressure on the public hospital system.
Members Health has warned the change risks driving older Australians out of private cover, potentially increasing costs for taxpayers and demand on public services.
Public hospitals face budget strain from senior insurance shake-up
Ronald Mizen and Paul Karp – The Australian Financial Review
The Australian Financial Review has reported that the proposed removal of the higher private health insurance rebate for older Australians is raising concerns about added pressure on public hospital budgets.
Members Health has warned the policy could increase premiums for seniors and shift significant costs onto the public system, describing the change as harmful to older, lower‑income Australians.
Scrapping higher health insurance rebates for over-65s ‘bad for budget’
Natasha Robinson and Lily McCaffrey – The Australian
The Australian has reported that concerns are mounting over the government’s plan to remove higher private health insurance rebates for older Australians, including evidence suggesting the policy may cost more than it saves.
Members Health has argued the change could reduce affordability for seniors and increase pressure on public hospitals, warning it risks shifting costs onto taxpayers rather than delivering budget savings.
Health groups warn budget rebate cuts threaten private cover
Jonalyn Cueto – Insurance Business
Insurance Business in recent reporting has highlighted concerns from health sector groups that proposed changes to the private health insurance rebate in the federal budget could push older Australians out of private cover and increase pressure on public hospitals.
Members Health has warned the policy risks higher premiums for seniors and longer waiting lists, arguing the changes could become a “false economy” by shifting greater costs onto the public system.
Public hospitals face budget strain from senior insurance shake-up
Ronald Mizen and Paul Karp – The Australian Financial Review
The Australian Financial Review has reported that the federal government’s plan to remove higher private health insurance rebates for older Australians is creating tension with states, amid warnings it could shift significant costs onto the public hospital system.
Members Health has warned the change could drive up premiums for seniors and increase pressure on public services, arguing the policy risks becoming a “false economy” that ultimately costs more than it saves.
Federal Budget 2026: Removal of private health insurance rebate for older Australians ‘a kick in the teeth’
Rebecca Le May – The Nightly
The Australian Financial Review has reported that the federal government’s plan to remove higher private health insurance rebates for older Australians is creating tension with states, amid warnings it could shift significant costs onto the public hospital system.
Members Health has warned the change could drive up premiums for seniors and increase pressure on public services, arguing the policy risks becoming a “false economy” that ultimately costs more than it saves.
Scrapping higher health insurance rebates for over-65s ‘bad for budget’
Natasha Robinson and Lil McCaffrey – The Australian
The Australian has reported concerns that scrapping higher private health insurance rebates for older Australians may worsen the federal budget position, with analysis suggesting the policy could cost more than it saves.
Members Health has warned the change could reduce affordability for seniors and increase pressure on public hospitals, arguing the rebate plays a critical role in keeping older Australians in private cover.
Scrapping higher health insurance rebates for over-65s ‘bad for budget’
Natasha Robinson and Lil McCaffrey – The Australian
The Australian has reported concerns that scrapping higher private health insurance rebates for older Australians may worsen the federal budget position, with analysis suggesting the policy could cost more than it saves.
Members Health has warned the change could reduce affordability for seniors and increase pressure on public hospitals, arguing the rebate plays a critical role in keeping older Australians in private cover.
Private health bodies question removal of higher senior rebate tiers
Roxanne Libatique- Insurance Business
Recent reporting highlights concerns from private health sector groups about the government’s plan to remove higher private health insurance rebate tiers for older Australians, which currently provide additional support to those aged 65 and over.
Members Health has warned the change could lead to significant premium increases for seniors, prompting some to downgrade or leave private cover altogether. It has cautioned this may shift more demand onto public hospitals and increase overall system costs, arguing the policy risks becoming a “false economy” without broader consultation or reform.
