Reforms promise cheaper private health cover
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The Coalition government has announced a wide ranging package of reforms to make private health insurance simpler and more affordable for Australians.
We know that every dollar counts and we’re committed to easing the budgetary burden for families and households.
These reforms will deliver better value, as well as make health insurance policies easier to understand.
As part of the changes, our government is helping to reduce rising costs for health insurers.
These would otherwise be passed on to customers through higher premiums.
We know that many people would like to be able to select a higher excess in exchange for lower premiums.
That’s why we will increase the maximum excess consumers can choose under their health insurance policies for the first time since 2001.
We will simplify private health insurance by requiring insurers to categorise products as gold/silver/bronze/basic.
We will introduce the use of standardised definitions for treatments to make it clear what is and isn’t covered in their policies.
Arguably more important for residents in our region, those living in rural and regional areas will be better supported by enhanced travel and accommodation benefits which can be offered by insurers.
Additionally, we’ll be keeping the private health insurance rebate for products used by regional and rural residents.
This will allow them access to doctors of their choice as private patients in regional public hospitals.
Good luck HSC students
Finally, I’d like to extend my best wishes to all the Year 12 students right across our region as they begin their final HSC exams.
As you embark on the last stage of your school journeys do so in the knowledge that whatever your results life is full of opportunities and there’s many ways to get to where you want to go.
Good luck!