Any pharmacare plan that aims to remove financial barriers to treatment and eliminate inequities should prioritize those who face the highest out-of-pocket drug costs, such as people with disabilities.
Drop, suspend, downgrade or keep? Many people are feeling the pinch and wondering if private heath insurance is worth keeping during the coronavirus pandemic. Here's what to consider.
New private health insurance data show young people are continuing to drop their cover. But the industry's argument a youth exodus will put pressure on public hospitals isn't necessarily right.
Policy changes have failed to stop young people dropping their private health insurance.
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In April, private health insurance premiums will increase by an average of 2.92%. It's the lowest rise in 19 years but still much higher than wages growth. And insurers still make a healthy profit.
As more young people drop their private health cover, premiums go up for everyone.
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Young people don't see the value in private health insurance and are dropping their cover in droves. Allowing under 55s to pay lower premiums, based on their lower risk, could keep them in the system.
After an operation, patients might receive half a dozen bills from different health providers involved in their care.
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Specialists can charge patients what they want, and some doctors charge exorbitant amounts. A handful of services account for almost 90% of all medical gaps.
Having treatment at home is more convenient for patients.
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Patients often want the option to be treated at home rather than being admitted to hospital. But it's much less likely to happen if you're a private patient.
Many young people see private health insurance as an unnecessary expense.
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Young people continue to cancel their private health insurance despite discounts to entice them to stay. Instead, we should reduce their premiums based on their likelihood of needing health care.
Although there’s evidence yoga may be helpful for some medical conditions, it can no longer be claimed under private health insurance.
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When you enter a public hospital, you are likely to be asked if you have private health insurance, and if you want to use it. This is what you need to consider.
Premium subsidies encourage Australians to take out and keep private health insurance.
Subsidies for private health insurance premiums cost the government over A$6 billion a year. Is it time to scrap the rebate and redirect these funds elsewhere in the health system?
Health is the largest single component of state government expenditure.
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Private health insurance premiums will rise from April 1, leaving consumers wondering if they should give it up or downgrade to save money.
Australians are spending a larger proportion of their income on health insurance as premium increases outpace wage growth.
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Private health insurance premiums are set to rise again. These 14 charts (well, technically 10 charts and four tables) look at some of the reasons why health insurance premiums keep going up and up.
Government price controls start with good intentions but often result in unintended consequences.
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We are paying more for our health insurance because we are using it more. No crude, short-term measures to restrict premium growth will deal with this fact.
There’s an economic case for scrapping the rebates.
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Private health insurance is meant to take pressure off the public system. But with exclusionary policies, people are increasingly avoiding the levies and using the public system anyway.