Health Costs

This campaign works to reduce out-of-pocket health care costs for all older Australians.

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The issue

Spiraling out-of-pocket health care costs are a big concern for older Australians.

What we're calling for

We are calling for reforms to reduce out of pocket health costs associated with Medicare and private health.

The benefits

Reducing the cost of medical care will ensure older Australians do not miss out on receiving the treatment they need.

Why seniors love to hate private health

Our latest research report highlights growing unrest about the unaffordability of private health care in Australia. This must be addressed to preserve private health as an option for older people. That’s why NSA is calling for an independent inquiry into the private health system. Read our report and join our Health Costs campaign to support cheaper health care.

Our policy recommendations

Review of the private health insurance system

With premiums rising and out-of-pocket costs spiralling, National Seniors is calling for a full Productivity Commission review of the private health insurance system, with a focus on identifying ways to improve the value proposition of private health and reduce out-of-pocket expenses for policy holders.

Increase the Private Health Insurance Rebate for people on low incomes

As premiums rise and out-of-pocket costs increase, older people struggle to hold onto their private health insurance. There is a need to take urgent action to reduce the cost of private health to ensure ongoing coverage. This will help seniors maintain choice and control.

Create a targeted Seniors Dental Benefits Scheme

Establishing a Seniors Dental Benefit Scheme providing $500 per year towards interventions to improve oral health outcomes among older people will reduce pressure on public dental and ensure older people do not go without vital oral health care.

Minister for Older Australians

National Seniors Australia is calling for a dedicated Minister within the federal government to champion the diverse issues facing older Australians, such as discrimination, elder abuse, retirement income, health care and aged care.

Campaign wins

Agreement for greater scrutiny of specialist fees

In early 2019, the federal government announced it would fund the development of a new website to enable consumers to compare specialist fees. We will work with the government to ensure this tool drives down the cost of health care, and will continue to advocate for ongoing reforms that reduce out-of-pocket health care costs.

Ending the Medicare freeze

We continue to pressure governments and industry to put the brakes on rising health-care costs. Doctors blamed out-of-pocket costs on governments limiting the rebates they received for seeing Medicare patients. The cost was passed on to patients. It was a big win when this was acknowledged and the freeze ended.

Become a National Seniors Member

Join National Seniors Australia today and receive discounts on everyday essentials and more

National Seniors Australia members have access to a range of benefits and services – including discounts on Travel, Health and Life Insurance.

As a member, save with discounts, expand your social circle through our branches, receive a yearly subscription to Our Generation digital magazine, and access our Financial Information Consultant by phone.

For only $49.50, anyone can become a member and it only takes minutes to join.

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National Seniors is the leading not-for-profit organisation fighting for a fair go for older Australians.

We rely on people like you to donate so we can continue to tackle issues such as age discrimination, accessible housing, pension poverty, health costs, aged care, improve retirement income and provide more home care places so that older Australians can live safely and make ends meet.