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NewsBREAKING: GP Co-payments are going, going, gone
BREAKING: GP Co-payments are going, going, gone

BREAKING: GP Co-payments are going, going, gone

Tags: Cost of Living Private Health Insurance FiftyUp Club News Sticking Up for FiftyUps
Last updated by Joel Gibson on

GP-copaymentCongratulations, members. You did it!

There are front-page reports today (pictured) confirming what many suspected – that the Federal Government has heeded the concerns of the FiftyUp Club and other groups and shelved its plans for GP co-payments.[1]

CLICK HERE to send a Thankyou email to Health Minister Peter Dutton

As you’ll recall, FiftyUp Club Chairman John Mangos met with Health Minister Peter Dutton in Canberra in August to present the results of a 11,000-member survey on healthcare costs.

The survey showed deep anxiety among over-50s about the soaring costs of keeping well, particularly the impact of co-payments on older Australians and rising health insurance premiums.

Mr Dutton listened to our members’ concerns on co-payments and has now acted with his fellow cabinet ministers to shelve the plans, according to reports today and yesterday.

The apparent backdown on co-payments is a huge win for our members and for all older Australians.

According to member polls, FiftyUp Club members are supportive of reform but are doing it tough, and felt they were being asked to shoulder more than their fair share.

The FiftyUp Club’s healthcare costs survey showed the co-payment plans were a political deal-breaker for many older Australians.

More than two-thirds of FiftyUps surveyed believe the health system is currently unsustainable and are prepared to contribute to reforming it.

However, 30% said the proposed co-payments would force them to avoid the doctor when sick, or go to hospital instead, and could change how they vote.

This result shows the real political power of FiftyUps when they do work together to make their voice heard to policymakers and businesses.

CLICK HERE to send a Thankyou email to Health Minister Peter Dutton

[1] “Federal government to shelve $7 GP co-payment policy”, http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/federal-government-to-shelve-7-gp-copayment-policy-20141126-11ul0w.html

Originally posted on .

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BREAKING: GP Co-payments are going, going, gone

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Ronald
Ronald from VIC commented:

why on earth do you think you have done us a favour in opposing something that ultimately is for the benefit of all australians.just like the federal opposition you fail to see the big picture.you really are in fairyland if you believe your submission was the reason why the copayment might be abandoned 

Someone
Someone from NSW commented:

This is not a good thing Some where along the line we need to help with the cost of health care. We are in need of people taking responsibility for some of the cost's as the government cannot keep up with the cost. 

David
David from NSW commented:

Definitely not a victory! The co-payment policy had a lot of merit , as it would stop a lot of unnecessary visits to Doctors & Hospitals. Too many people have the welfare mentality & want everything for nothing. Shame on FiftyUp Club! 

Dena
Dena from NSW commented:

My adapted letter to the Health Minister: "As one of the 106,000+ members of the FiftyUp Club, I believe you should not have bowed to the pressures from only 30 per cent of the over 50s about the impact of proposed GP co-payments on older Australians. I believe in the “user- pays” principle and the charge of $7 is less than half the cost of a packet of cigarettes and about the cost of a bottle of dinner wine from a discount store. There are very few Australians who are denied access to the best medical & hospital cover in the world. As over-50s, my husband and I helped build this country and we are willing to contribute to repairing the budget ruined by Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard". Dena from Sydney 

Don
Don from NSW commented:

When are we going to stop wanting everything for nothing. Those who can't not afford the co-payment I am sure would still be treated. What a great cause the $7 was going to - medical research. We are drowning in debt so we need to tighten our belts. It isn't a victory at all for 50 Up Club. 

Merve
Merve from NSW commented:

Congratulations to the FiftyUp Club members who have just prevented funds for research that could save a loved one's life. Contemplate that as you consume yet another unnecessary coffee and muffin. Just think what brain research could do for you .So glad I am not one of you. Merve NSW. 

Douglas
Douglas from NSW commented:

I'm certainly not going to pat myself on the back as I thought the policy had merit. The deficit continues to grow and The Green Coalition continue to pretend like it does not exist. The leftist media continue assisting the leftist loons in perpetuating the smoke screen that all is well in the Lucky Country. 

James e
James e from NSW commented:

If the budget is in such a big mess surely we should reduce spending on what we would like to have and concentrate on what is needed untill the budget is back in Balance and we can aford all the extras 

James e
James e from NSW commented:

I hear on ABC the goverment are planning to achieve the increase by another method 

warren
warren from NSW commented:

Well, It may not be all over. Our Treasurer Mr Hocking says negotiations are continuing with the Senate - 11.30am this morning. NZ has a $30 co-payment, and higher GST on all commodities, and they're doing better than Australia. All the noise we hear is the "bleating of Bill Shorten's Sheep". What would they know? They gave us huge Debt and now refuse to assist the Government to pay this down. Shame. 

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