Blocking Medicare Plus enhanced safety net a missed opportunity for Democrats
AMA President, Dr Bill Glasson, said the Australian Democrats had missed a real opportunity to assist disadvantaged Australians with their health care needs by deciding not to allow the Government's Medicare Plus safety net provisions through the Senate before Christmas
Dr Glasson said that while the AMA still had concerns about elements of the Government's package it would have been beneficial to have the enhanced safety net provisions passed on to patients at the earliest opportunity.
"The Government made big improvements on its Fairer Medicare package," Dr Glasson said.
"They addressed many of the access and affordability issues raised by the AMA and other groups.
"The safety net provisions offer a lid on out-of-pocket expenses for patients.
"The package should be put to the test in the electorate to see if it works. If it doesn't work and people don't like it, they can vote against it.
"In the meantime, in the absence of a policy from anyone to increase the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) patient rebate for all patients, the poorest and the sickest should have immediate access to better safety net arrangements.
"The Australian Democrats today missed a real opportunity to achieve relevance in the Medicare policy debate," Dr Glasson said.
Dr Glasson said the AMA is preparing yet another comprehensive submission for the Senate Committee on Medicare.
"We will be suggesting further improvements to Medicare Plus and urging the Opposition to bolster its Medicare policy before the election," Dr Glasson said.
"At the top of the list will be encouraging a much more realistic approach to the Medicare Schedule and the abolition of the Government's bonded medical places policy," Dr Glasson said.
CONTACT: John Flannery (02) 6270 5477 / (0419) 494 761
Judith Tokley (02) 6270 5471 / (0408) 824 306