Health Costs

This campaign works to reduce out-of-pocket health care costs for all older Australians.

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The issue

Spiraling out-of-pocket health care costs, a big concern for older Australians.

What we're calling for

We are calling for reforms to reduce out of pocket health costs associated with Medicare and private health.

The benefits

Reducing the cost of medical care will ensure older Australians do not miss out on receiving the treatment they need.

Campaign wins

Agreement for greater scrutiny of specialist fees

In early 2019, the federal government announced it would fund the development of a new website to enable consumers to compare specialist fees. We will work with the government to ensure this tool drives down the cost of health care, and will continue to advocate for ongoing reforms that reduce out-of-pocket health care costs.

Ending the Medicare freeze

We continue to pressure governments and industry to put the brakes on rising health-care costs. Doctors blamed out-of-pocket costs on governments limiting the rebates they received for seeing Medicare patients. The cost was passed on to patients. It was a big win when this was acknowledged and the freeze ended.

Our policy recommendations

Mandatory publication of specialist fees

The publication of specialist fees should be mandatory. In order to have adequate transparency, all specialists should be required to publish their fees. GPs should also be required to inform patients about choice when referring to a medical specialist so patients can explore their options.

Freeze private health insurance premiums to no more than CPI

If premium increases are held to no more than inflation, health costs and premiums won't escalate at odds with other parts of the economy.

Become a National Seniors Member

Join National Seniors Australia today and receive discounts on everyday essentials and more

National Seniors Australia members have access to a range of benefits and services – including discounts on Travel, Health and Life Insurance.

As a member, save with discounts, expand your social circle through our branches, receive a yearly subscription to Our Generation digital magazine, and access our Financial Information Consultant by phone.

For only $49.50, anyone can become a member and it only takes minutes to join.

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National Seniors is the leading not-for-profit organisation fighting for a fair go for older Australians.

We rely on people like you to donate so we can continue to tackle issues such as age discrimination, accessible housing, pension poverty, health costs, aged care, improve retirement income and provide more home care places so that older Australians can live safely and make ends meet.