"Proposed changes to private health insurance will mean more taxes spent on private patients and less on those who can't afford private health insurance," said Dr Tim Woodruff, President of the Doctors Reform Society.

"The idea (being considered by the State and Federal Health Ministers) that private health insurance should now cover not just private hospital care and gym membership, but also private outpatient emergency and cancer care, will mean more millions of dollars going from all the people who can't afford private health insurance to those who can", said Dr Woodruff. "The 30% private health insurance rebate means that taxes pay for 30% of all private health insurance cover."

"The private health insurance rebate has already been shown to be a $2.5 billion waste of taxpayers money as it has failed to reduce public hospital waiting lists and failed to deliver more affordable private health insurance. This proposal aims to make it an even bigger waste of money."

"In addition it will mean less affordable private health insurance as premiums will have to rise, and an ever increasing drain on the public purse."

"But most disturbing of all, it means even more money taken away from the cash strapped public system where patients wait days in emergency departments, and where cancer facilities are simply inadequate to provide proper care."

"These proposals must be rejected if the Government has any interest in the health of all Australians," said Dr Woodruff.

4 November, 2002
Dr Tim Woodruff, President
Dr Peter Davoren, Vice President

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