Mr Stone said Bupa looked forward to more detail on the consultations proposed by the Government for further reforms to improve the private healthcare system. We want to work with the Government to invest in and improve the private health system to ensure it is modern, relevant, and sustainable for all Australians, for now, and into the future.
Removing PHI rebates for Australians aged 65 and above
As a business that provides care to older Australians, we share Private Healthcare Australia’s concerns that removing rebates for Australians aged 65 and above may have unintended consequences for participation and the overall sustainability of the system, particularly as our public system remains under pressure.
Reform should focus on strengthening the sustainability of private health insurance by improving affordability and accessibility for all Australians, regardless of age.
Supporting access to care through Urgent Care Clinics
Bupa welcomed the Government’s commitment to invest $1.8 billion over five years to help make Medicare Urgent Care Clinics a permanent part of Australia’s health system. Medicare Urgent Care Clinics are an important part of the broader healthcare system, helping to triage and treat non-emergency conditions outside hospital emergency departments, improving patient flow and allowing hospitals to focus on more acute and complex care.
Mr Stone said: “Medicare Urgent Care Clinics play a critical role in ensuring people can access the care they need, when they need it, and in the right setting.
“As an operator of a growing number of Medicare Urgent Care Clinics around Australia, Bupa is proud to partner with Government to support communities around Australia to ensure people can get the right care at the right time, while relieving pressure on local hospital emergency departments.”
Building capacity in aged care
Mr Stone said the Government’s continued focus on strengthening the aged care sector, which includes greater flexibility in how room prices are set and a $606.5 million investment to deliver more residential aged care beds, was an important step towards meeting the growing demand of an ageing population but more needed to be done.
“As one of Australia’s largest aged care providers, we know we need to support the sustainable growth of residential care capacity as without this, older Australians, especially those in regional Australia, will not be able to access care when and where they need it most,” he said.
“We look forward to working closely with Government and industry partners to help deliver the services and support required to allow the sustainable growth of the sector.”
Continuing to support veterans and their families
The additional $583.4 million to implement recommendations from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, along with $169.7 million for allied health services for veterans, is a positive step towards improving access to support services for veterans.
Reviewing specialist fees
We welcome the Federal Government’s review of specialist fees which will enhance transparency for patients, supporting improved financial literacy, and promoting greater choice, access and affordability in healthcare. We look forward to ongoing collaboration with the medical community to ensure these goals are achieved in a balanced and effective manner.
‘;