The Federal Health Minister Susan Ley is living in Disneyland; she tells us we will be no worse off, that pensioners and concession card holders will still receive a rebate after they spend $647.90 on medical.

Every year this amount of money increases just the same as the amount of money you spend to reach the gap at the chemist and the number of prescriptions you need to purchase.

It's okay to say that once you reach the gap fee things will be much better for all concerned. The thing is, to reach this fee you will need to spend a lot more money, something the battlers out there will find it very hard to do.

What about the changes also for dental? With no bulk billing for blood tests, something that many out there need regularly, it will cause extra pain money-wise.

Also the cost upfront for x-rays will be quite expensive in gap fees. Many out there just will not be able to afford them.

Why not a discussion on this health issue? Let's get it out into the open.

Allan Ward

West Haven