Insurance rebates may cause more harm
THE Australian Medical Association has warned proposed changes to private health insurance rebates for older Australians could increase pressure on public hospitals and threaten struggling private facilities. AMA President Dr Danielle McMullen said removing higher rebates for people aged 65 and over could make insurance unaffordable, particularly for lower-income Australians. The AMA fears people may downgrade or abandon cover, shifting demand to already stretched public hospitals and potentially delaying healthcare. Regional private hospitals could be particularly affected by reduced activity. While supporting increased aged care funding, the AMA wants existing rebate arrangements retained for older Australians on Medicare Levy Surcharge base-tier incomes.
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