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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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Roger
Roger from NSW commented:

What a pity. I was 100% in favour of the policy and thought creating a $20 billion medical research fund a great idea. Just because I'm over 50 why should you assume I would begrudge funding for finding cures as opposed to forever just treating symptoms? 

Virginia
Virginia from NSW commented:

I totally agree with Karen. I won't be celebrating as I don't believe it a success when it will affect our Country's wealth and economy and ultimately our children's future. Its a small price to pay for their future. 

Karen
Karen from NSW commented:

"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." So the question is, exactly how do 'we' fix the unsustainable health system if we are not prepared to vote for a party with a plan to fix it? Its easy to criticise but where are the suggested solutions? 

John
John from VIC replied to Karen:

Agree totally with Karen 

Henryk
Henryk from NSW commented:

We should also have electrical and plumbing costs subsidised by government. 

warren
warren from NSW replied to Henryk:

Yes, and I need new tyres for the car. 

Douglas
Douglas from NSW replied to warren:

That's right and everyone is entitled to a holiday since they reduce stress and increase longevity. Surely Shorten would support the initiative of government funded holidays to China, at least we could get a glimpse of the future. 

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