The COVID-19 pandemic challenged our health system like never before and created unparalleled pressure on medical staff, supply chains and hospitals. The consequences are still being felt across the health sector.
These are not high-income areas. The average taxable income of new members is between $50,000 and $70,000 a year, meaning they will all be receiving the private health insurance rebate on premiums.The flexibility provided by our mixed private-public health system is one reason Australia avoided the horror scenes of people dying on trolleys that characterised the peak of the pandemic in the northern hemisphere.
The flexibility provided by our mixed private-public health system is one reason Australia avoided the horror scenes of people dying on trolleys waiting for medical care that characterised the peak of the pandemic in the northern hemisphere. Sensible health sector reform will allow health funds to better manage premium growth and increase financial support for frontline health workers at the same time.
There is no reason Australian consumers should be paying these outrageously inflated prices for items which cost little to manufacture and have been commoditised around the world.