It’s time to get on with the job

26 Jul 2019Media Releases

Private Healthcare Australia’s Chief Executive, Dr Rachel David said the era of enquiries was over and it was time to get on and fix the problems in our healthcare sector on behalf of consumers.

“Every time a report is released the usual suspects call for another review.  There have been multiple reviews into private health in recent years that have all reached the same conclusions.

“The latest report released by APRA is actually a compilation of data released quarterly during 2018. It is not new. The government and healthcare sector have known for years about the demographic challenges facing the health system, impacting both Medicare and the private sector, and we are working on further reforms to keep the health system sustainable.

“We know that our ageing population will increase pressure on the health system and we know that young people have the perception they are paying more and getting less. It is however a misconception that young people don’t receive value from their health cover, especially in the areas of dental and mental health treatment young people are getting value.

“Health funds paid out nearly half a million claims to people under 30 last year. We understand we need to make cover more affordable for young people but in order to maintain community rating, we need to address waste in the system, and provide subsidies for care where it is economically efficient to do so,” said Dr David.

“We have already made significant progress down that path with the PHI reforms, and are working with the government to ensure our health system continues to deliver high quality, accessible and affordable care for all Australians.

“Government and the healthcare sector must work together to ensure the healthcare needs of our aging baby boomer population can be funded,” said Dr David.

 

Media contact: Jen Eddy  0439 240 755