Australian Unity is disappointed at the House of Representatives passing of the Fairer Private Health Insurance Incentives Bill 2011, which will means test the Federal Government’s 30 percent rebate on private health insurance.
Australian Unity’s Chief Executive Officer Healthcare, Amanda Hagan, said the implications of the announcement on low income earners and people with a chronic disease cannot be underestimated and are not being clearly communicated.
She said the legislation goes against one of the most important principles of the community rating system that forms the strength of our private health insurance system: that every Australian, regardless of age or health status, pays the same premium for the same health insurance product.
“Australia Unity has argued that private health care remain fair for all and we are disappointed that despite our concerns, members of parliament have passed this legislation,” Ms Hagan said.
She said Australian Unity members need not take any action at this stage, as the changes will not come into effect until 1 July 2012.
“We will do our best to reduce the financial and administrative impact on our members over coming years, within the constraints that have been imposed on us by this policy change,” she said.
The Bill has yet to pass the Senate. If it does so, as expected, it will come into effect on 1 July 2012.
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For further information call Australian Unity’s Communications Manager Gail Carland on 0429 187 105.
Notes to editors
Australian Unity is a national healthcare, financial services and retirement living organisation providing services to more than 560,000 Australians, including some 300,000 members nationwide. Australian Unity operates the sixth largest health fund in Australia, covering more than 350,000 members. Australian Unity also operates dental clinics and other allied health services, including Remedy Healthcare, a new preventative health business that offers specific chronic disease management programs and is starting to provide in‐home rehabilitation services for members and customers recovering from injury or surgery.
