Is the GP Co-payment dead, or is it just resting?

I am in my 70th year (not on an age pension receive a $90. per week allocated payment) and only really go to the doctor to have a prescription renewed, for me to pay a $7. to sit in a waiting room for 1-2hrs to see the doctor for 2 minutes while she presses buttons to print off my prescription (non addictive) is a waste of my time, the doctors time and takes away the time other people could be seeing their doctor. Why can't I be able to pick up the prescription at the medical centre receptionist's desk. To pay the extra money + concessional amount (have a Commonwealth Seniors Health card) for the prescription to be filled. I do not currently have a need for any other health care. 

Surely there could be a compromise with the co payment scheme and that may be raising the pension and other related benefits so those in need are not penalised and those not on the benefits pay . This must assist the most vulnerable 

The whole concept of $7.00 is stupid, especially when money goes to a Medical Research Fund. Why destroy the CSIRO? Being chronically ill, and recently just being given workers comp. after so many years, I no longer work and am now living off my long service leave until I can receive a pension next year. In the mean time, I try not to go to any doctor, except to obtain prescriptions, and would resent paying $7.00 just for this when not earning an income. (As regards the 'mountain of Labor debt, just wait to see what happens with this government if the price of iron ore keeps falling - reminds me of Gough's time when the international price of oil shot up in 1974. No one knew what to do - Joe can't blame Julia). 

excepting health card holders ,$7 would be ok for a doctors visit BUT it's not just for a doctors visit ,it's every other service as well . For cronic patients needing multiple services all the time it will soon add up to a vast amount even if each service is capped at $70 a year. If you are earning just enough not to have a health card and being cronic it would be a huge pull on the meagre amount left after scavaging around to pay all the other bills. Make it income tax dependable ,so that those earning sufficient CAN PAY,it would then be just another expence to them which they can adequately afford. 

This is a ‘no brainer’. Those that can pay their way should do so. I’m surprised the ‘FiftyUp’ ers hold such a stance on this issue. Quite an irresponsible strategy and a ridiculous power play! What a knockout! Who’s going to pay for our unaffordable Health system? The next generation! Who’s going to pay for the unaffordable NDIS system? The next generation! Who’s going to repay the mountain of Labor debt? The next generation! Surprise, surprise –they can’t and won’t do it. Let’s all stick our heads in the sand as ‘she’ll be right mate’! 

$7 co-payment is fine providing you don't have a chronic illness, you could find yourself paying out $70 per year for each service, Doctor, pathology, chemist, radiology, chemotherapy and radiation, diabetes clinics and the list is endless, any service that is currently bulkbilled or Medicare rebated will attract a cap annually of $70, for the chronically unwell aged pensioners This could run into hundreds of dollars annually. Aged pensioners find it difficult enough to live on $425 per week, however I believe the co-payment will not apply to recipients of the Aged Pension.. Or those on a health care card.. 

You are doing a great job. Keep up your efforts . Thank you. 

No. It should never happen. 

Don't know about the co-payment but how about Bulk Billing for Pensioners?? 

i am glad so many people are in the position to pay. unfortunately not everyone is in such a good place.