AMA calls for resolution to St Vincent’s and nib dispute
The AMA has urged both parties to strike a deal that puts the needs of patients first, while also delivering a reasonable return for all parties.
The AMA is aware of a breakdown in negotiations over a new funding agreement between St Vincent’s and nib, which will likely lead to higher out-of-pocket costs for patients after October 3.
The AMA is calling on both parties to get back to the negotiating table to strike a deal that puts the needs of patients first, while also delivering a reasonable return for all parties and recognising the rising costs of providing quality care.
AMA President Professor Steve Robson said patients would ultimately be the ones to suffer.
“These disputes undermine the confidence that Australians have in private health insurance arrangements, particularly as we continue to see significant premium increases at a time when people are facing significant cost-of-living pressures,” Professor Robson said.
“The AMA is calling for the creation of an independent Private Health System Authority (PHSA) to ensure the sector is appropriately regulated and patients get real value for money from their private health insurance,” Professor Robson said.
“A PHSA can be a vehicle for meaningful reform, while helping to solve disputes like the one we are seeing with nib and St Vincent’s.
St Vincent's has published detailed information about how this will affect patients and doctors can be found here.
