Four million New South Wales residents will be hit with higher private health insurance (PHI) premiums as a result of an ‘own goal’ in today’s NSW Government Budget.
Media Releases
Exorbitant out of pocket costs charged to ACT consumers need urgent investigation
The Australian Government must urgently investigate why ACT residents are paying at least 50 percent more in out of pocket costs than consumers living in other parts of the country.
Draining superannuation for dental care is driving up costs for all Australians
Allowing thousands of Australians to drain their superannuation for dental care is driving up the cost of dentistry for all consumers and should be stopped, the peak body for health funds says.
Keeping premiums affordable keeps pressure off public hospitals
Half of all Australians continue to rely on private health insurance for quality care, greater access and control over the timing of their treatment. Over 14.8 million people now have private health cover.
Prescribed list wind back risks higher health insurance premiums
The Federal Government’s decision to wind-back the planned removal of general use items from the Prescribed List of Medical Devices and Human Tissue (PL) on 1 July is likely to impact the cost of private health insurance premiums for 15 million Australians.
Government must stop compelling health insurance funds to pay for ineffective medical care and dangerous, discredited medical devices
Private Healthcare Australia (PHA) is calling for the immediate recall and suspension of spinal cord stimulators to protect public safety, pending an investigation by the Therapeutic Goods Administration.
Fraud, waste and abuse rife in Australia’s ‘back pain industry’
An investigation by ABC Four Corners into spinal surgery has exposed serious risks to patients and the shocking extent of fraud, waste and abuse in Australia’s ‘back pain industry’.
Health funds keep premium rise under inflation but rising costs remain a challenge
Health fund premiums will rise by an average 3.03% this year, much lower than inflation. Premium increases for other insurance types have surged by up to 16%.
Health funds pay record amount for healthcare in 2023 as member claims exceed pre COVID levels
Australian health funds paid a record $23.6 billion for healthcare in 2023 as claims by health funds members hit a new high, exceeding pre-pandemic levels.
Statement from Private Healthcare Australia – PHI Premiums 2024
A report on the front page of ‘The Australian’ newspaper suggesting the health insurance industry is in a ‘war of words with Mark Butler’ and in ‘fear’ about the timing of the premium announcement is false.
Price gouging doctors should be named and shamed
All specialist doctors’ fees should be published on the Government’s Medical Cost Finder website so consumers know who is charging egregiously, the peak body for health funds says.
Medicare has served us well but it’s time for a mid-life health check
Private Healthcare Australia CEO Dr Rachel David said a successful universal health scheme requires a strong and vibrant private scheme to increase funding for healthcare, promote equity, provide choice and ensure that the most vulnerable Australians are able to access care.
Health funds call for ‘surprise billing law’ as new data reveals soaring out-of-pocket costs for medical procedures.
Australia needs tougher laws to protect consumers from unexpected bills in the private health system, where 60 percent of all elective surgical procedures occur, the peak body for private health funds say.
Vaping lands 178 people in hospital including children
The latest data from Private Healthcare Australia – the peak body for health insurers – reveals seven children aged under 15 were hospitalised due to a vaping related disorder or injury since 2020, including a two-year-old. Another 19 young people aged 15 – 24 required hospital treatment connected to vaping. The average time spent in hospital was 5.6 days.
Consumers urged to be cautious about spinal cord stimulators for pain
CEO of Private Healthcare Australia Dr Rachel David said a survey of consumers published today by Pain Australia should be interpreted with extreme caution because it was commissioned and fully funded by the Neuromodulation Society of Australia – a group representing the providers of spinal cord stimulators.
Health insurance premiums must rise to cover inflation and soaring use of hospital services
Inflation and soaring use of private healthcare will affect the cost of health insurance over the next year, but health funds are doing everything they can to keep premiums as low as possible for Australians.
Private Healthcare Australia CEO Dr Rachel David said health funds’ submissions to Government to increase health insurance premiums for 2024 reflect inflation, record claims over the past year, and essential costs such as IT upgrades to combat the ever-growing threat of cyber-attacks.
Record PHI membership, record claims and the risk of higher premiums
More Australians than ever before are relying on private health insurance for their healthcare needs. Timely access to surgery, mental health treatment, and flexible, convenient care options has seen more than one million Australians sign up since January 2020 and the latest APRA data shows that almost 14.7 million people (55.1% of the population) now have private health cover.
Australia needs a modern health system – fit for the 21st century
Australia’s population is ageing. A sustainable health system has never been more important. It will enable people to live not only longer lives, but healthier lives, and importantly contribute to productivity.
PHI membership at all time high but inflation and overpriced medical devices threaten affordability
Following 12 consecutive quarters of sustained growth, Private Health Insurance (PHI) membership in Australia is at an all-time high. Nearly 14.6 million Australians have private health cover according to the latest APRA data.
Report finds PHI vital in combatting pandemic’s ongoing effects & delivering mental health care
Private Healthcare Australia’s Annual High Claims Report released today, demonstrates the strong value of private health insurance for Australians, including many who needed care for COVID-19 and mental illness.