Media Release
13 January 2004
“Bulk billing rates will fall again in February as the Government’s proposal to increase the rebate to GPs by $5 but just for card holders and children, is introduced,” said Dr Tim Woodruff, President, Doctors Reform Society. “Millions of hard working low and middle income Australians who don’t qualify for a health card, will now be charged a co-payment by GPs.”
“GPs are being told by John Howard that they will get nothing extra if they bulk bill struggling workers and their partners, so they will stop bilk billing them,” said Dr Woodruff. “Many of those patients will be off to the under-resourced public hospital emergency departments so they can afford the care. Many will delay their visits because of costs. Some will end up sicker and need hospitalisation just because John Howard doesn’t want to spend his $4.6 billion budget surplus on health care for all.”
“In addition, this offers no incentive to doctors already charging an average of $13.61 co-payment to give that away and accept the proposed $5 increase. They lose. So their card holding patients and children will get nothing from this proposal.”
“This proposal is another kick in the guts for the Aussie battler, and another step in the piecemeal destruction of Medicare and the public health system”, said Dr Woodruff. “It is supposed to be part of Medicare Plus, it is really Medicare Minus ie Medicare minus the care.”
Dr Con CostaVice PresidentDoctors Reform Society |
Dr Tim WoodruffPresidentDoctors Reform Society |
Dr Tracy Schrader Vice President Doctors Reform Society |
For further information please contact the Doctors Reform Society during business hours
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