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Tim Woodruff, The Age 5 March 2003 "Howard's Medicare without a heart" So John Howard has finally told us what he means by his election promise that Medicare stays (The Age, 4/2): If you are a pensioner or health care card holder you will get safety net medicine. Safety nets are full of holes for patients to fall through, and standards will fall as the net sags. So prepare yourself for second-rate medical care. If you are battling on, earning just too much to qualify for a health care card, then John Howard's Medicare is not for you (even though your taxes pay for it). Pay up your $40, $50 or $60 for the visit to the GP, pay the extra $6 for the prescription - and stop whingeing. And if you've found the $120 to take your three kids to the GP and the budget is blown, then just put off your own visit - and hope you don't end up in emergency. If you are well off, sit back and be relaxed and comfortable. Thank you, Honest John. Medicare stays - but its heart has been removed. |
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