Media Releases > HEALTH INSURANCE DROP CONFIRMS NEED FOR REBATE

HEALTH INSURANCE DROP CONFIRMS NEED FOR REBATE

19 November 1998

The Australian Private Hospitals Association (APHA) said today that the continued decline in private health insurance coverage confirms the vital need for the introduction of the Government's 30% rebate proposal without delay.

APHA Executive Director, Mr Ian Chalmers, said the consequences of any delay in the implementation of the rebate would be a growing and unsustainable burden being placed on the public hospital system.

"The announcement today of a further decline of 0.2% in the level of private health insurance is evidence of the need for quick and decisive action to save our health system.

"The only way we can turn around the decline in private health insurance participation is to provide massive premium reductions, and the Government's 30% rebate will do just that.

"Research released by APHA earlier this week indicates the rebate has the potential to increase health insurance coverage to 40% of the population. This will restore balance to the system and could even lead to further reductions in premiums.

"Of course, if the rebate is not introduced the decline in health insurance is likely to accelerate, with more and more people being forced onto public hospital waiting lists. This will inevitably lead to even greater costs being borne by governments and ultimately by taxpayers.

"APHA calls on all parties in the Senate to pass the rebate legislation without delay."

For further information, contact:

Ian Chalmers
APHA Executive Director
06 285 2716 (W)
0411 409 364 (M)

Michael Roff
APHA Public Affairs Manager
06 285 2716 (W)
018 628 192 (M)

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