Proposed PHI rebate cut for seniors
NSA is leading the campaign against the proposed Private Health Insurance rebate cut for seniors
The federal government has announced its intention to reduce the higher rebate for Private Health Insurance for people 65 and over to pay for aged care. This would make the rebate consistent regardless of age, starting from 1 April 2027 if legislated. The higher rebate for seniors was introduced to encourage older people to use the private health system, reducing pressure on the public system.
NSA has been leading the campaign on this issue since the 2026 Budget announcement in May. Thousands have joined our campaign and CEO Chris Grice, Director of Policy and Research Brendon Radford and Media & Government Relations Manager Anna Townend, just attended the alliance – people from the private health sector, the AMA, the aged care sector and physicians in Canberra. See below for more information on the outcomes of the meeting.
The federal government has announced its intention to reduce the higher rebate for Private Health Insurance for people 65 and over to pay for aged care. This would make the rebate consistent regardless of age, starting from 1 April 2027 if legislated. The higher rebate for seniors was introduced to encourage older people to use the private health system, reducing pressure on the public system.
This could increase out-of-pocket premiums by more than $1000 a year for a couple with Gold cover and force tens of thousands of seniors to drop or downgrade their insurance.
See how this could impact you.
Increase the Private Health Insurance Rebate for people on low incomes
As premiums rise and out-of-pocket costs increase, older people struggle to hold onto their private health insurance. There is a need to take urgent action to reduce the cost of private health to ensure ongoing coverage. This will help seniors maintain choice and control.
Reinstate higher private health insurance rebates for seniors
The proposal to reduce PHI rebates for seniors will result in tens of thousands dropping or downgrading their cover, putting their healthcare in the hands of an overstretched public health system.
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