The Labor Government’s changes to the Private Health Insurance Rebate are a direct hit on older Australians in the Redlands, with more than 23,000 local seniors set to feel the squeeze.
The Member for Bowman, Henry Pike MP, said the decision shows how out of touch the Labor Government is with the real cost-of-living pressures facing retirees and older Australians.
“According to Private Healthcare Australia, there are 23,169 people in Bowman over the age of 65 with private health insurance,” Mr Pike said.
“These are Redlanders who have worked hard, paid taxes their whole lives and did exactly what the Government encouraged them to do by taking out private health cover,” he said.
“At a time when people are already struggling with rising premiums, energy bills and groceries, this is the wrong decision at the worst possible time.”
Mr Pike said any reduction in the value of the rebate risks forcing older Australians to downgrade or abandon their cover altogether.
“Private health insurance plays an important role in supporting the broader health system. Older Australians should not be punished for maintaining their cover.”
“This will hurt older Redlanders that may be forced to either reduce their private health cover or drop it altogether. That doesn’t just impact the individuals, but it also increases pressure on our already stretched public hospital system,” Mr Pike said.
Mr Pike said the Government should be supporting older Australians who have paid taxes their entire life and have chosen to utilise private health insurance in retirement.
“The Private Health Insurance Rebate exists for a reason, it exists to keep private cover affordable and sustainable, particularly for older Australians who rely on it most,” he said.
Mr Pike has called on the Government to reconsider the changes, warning that they could have negative consequences for both seniors and the wider health system.
“I urge the Government to listen to communities like the Redlands and reverse these changes before more Australians are forced onto the already stretched public health system.”