The Federal Member for Hinkler David Batt MP is renewing calls for the Labor Government to scrap the cut to the private health insurance rebate for Australian’s aged over 65.
“In Hinkler alone, around 26,300 seniors face the prospect of private health insurance bills rising to as much as $807 more per year for singles or up to $1,614 more per year for a couple,” Mr Batt said.
“Health officials have admitted the Government doesn’t know how many of the three million older Australians affected are pensioners; however, they concede many older Australians really value private health insurance.
“That’s why so many work hard and save to be able to pay for private health cover.”
Bundaberg’s David Orpin is a 68-year-old pensioner and carer for his 91-year-old mother and they both have private health insurance, but Mr Orpin fears the Labor Government’s plan will force them to cut back on essentials.
“I receive $162 per fortnight as a carer payment and with rising rates, rego, fuel, food and general health costs – it’s incredibly tough”, Mr Orpin said.
“How many people will ditch their private health and then be a burden on the public system? I don’t think this is going to be the windfall Labor believes it could be and it may cost more in the long run.”
The cuts to private health insurance rebates have not yet passed Parliament and Mr. Batt says he’ll return to Canberra on Monday to take up the fight with the issue at the very top of his list of priorities.
