The latest Health Insurance Commission data show that fewer doctors are opting to bulk-bill. From the patient’s point of view this means they cannot rely on the green Medicare card to take care of their medical costs.

"The Federal Government has barely changed payments to bulk-billing doctors in the last 10 years. These doctors are now working just cover their overheads" said Dr Con Costa, President of the Doctors Reform Society.

"If the present underfunding of GP services continues it will, over time, destroy Medicare. The public should realise that the commitment of the Howard Government to free accessible services is just not there" said Dr Costa.

" It is obvious where the Federal Government’s sympathies lie when you consider the annual $1.7 billion of tax payers funds being handed over to prop up the failed and inefficient private health insurance industry" said Dr Costa.

19 February, 1999

author/seconder A Liebhold, C Costa