The Tasmanian Government is urging the Federal Government to reverse its proposed changes to the private health insurance rebate for over 65s.
Any changes to the current scheme will have a disproportionate impact on Tasmania’s ageing population, resulting in many older Tasmanians being forced to downgrade or leave private health insurance altogether.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the changes will put significant pressure on Tasmania’s health system and urged the Commonwealth to change course.
“We are investing record amounts into our public health system to meet the needs of our ageing population, including delivering proactive initiatives and services to keep Tasmanians out of hospital,” Premier Rockliff said.
“Private health insurance plays a critical role in our health system, including hospital capacity, and the Commonwealth should be making it easier, not harder, for Tasmanians to access it.
“We have made a submission to the Senate inquiry and we urge the Commonwealth to see sense and go back to the drawing board.
“Through our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future we will continue to deliver record investment into healthcare for Tasmanians.”
Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Bridget Archer, said these proposed changes will impact older Tasmanians and increase demand on on public hospitals, particularly in emergency departments and elective surgery waitlists.
“While we welcome the Australia Government’s measures to reverse problematic home care charging arrangements, expand residential aged care, and strengthen dementia supports, older Tasmanians shouldn’t be slugged with higher fees to pay for it,” Minister Archer said.
“Tasmanians, through no fault of their own, are already being impacted by a lack of aged care beds – this issue will only be exacerbated by these proposed changes.
“We are calling on the Federal Government to reconsider and understand the impact that these changes will have on health outcomes, not only for older Tasmanians, but all Tasmanians.”
Tasmania’s submission can be found here.
