Budget cuts to Better Access mental health services result in poorer access and higher costs for patients

AMA Family Doctor Week 16-22 July 2012 

An AMA survey has found that patients are experiencing poorer access to much-needed mental health services and out-of-pocket costs for services have increased as a result of the 2011-12 Budget cuts Medicare rebates for GP mental health services through the Better Access Program.

The survey of 404 GPs found that the proportion of doctors bulk-billing patients for preparing mental health plans had dropped from 78.1 per cent prior to the cuts to 38.6 per cent following the cuts.

According to the survey, the proportion of GPs charging a co-payment of $31 or more for mental health treatment plans has risen from below 30 per cent to 40 per cent.

AMA President, Dr Steve Hambleton, said that the Better Access program had provided care for more than one million people, including 150,000 from disadvantaged areas, before the program was cut.

“The 2011/12 Budget cuts were clearly all about the Budget bottom line and nothing to do with improved outcomes for mental health patients.

“There was evidence that the program was working well, but it was ignored.

“There was no consultation with the medical profession about the possible impact of the decision.

“Under the new arrangements, patients with mental illness receive less Medicare support than patients with physical ailments.

“The mental health services provided by GPs are easily accessed, non-threatening, non-discriminatory, and inexpensive compared to mental health hospitalisation.

“We urge the Government to restore the Better Access funding.”

The AMA Survey: Impact of Mental Health Funding Cuts is at http://ama.com.au/ama-survey-impact-mental-health-funding-cuts

22 July 2012

CONTACT:         Kirsty Waterford                  02 6270 5464 / 0427 209 753

Follow the AMA Media on Twitter: http://twitter.com/ama_media

Follow the AMA President on Twitter: http://twitter.com/amapresident