If there was any doubt before, now we know for sure. This government is not interested in maintaining a Medicare system that enables all Australians universal access to health care.
After the failed attempts to introduce a $7 GP visit co-payment in the face of overwhelming opposition from the public, the government has now moved to freeze the Medicare rebate until 2020.
This might seem like a small thing. If doctors are happy collecting the rebate now, why should we change it, right?
Wrong.
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There also hasn't been any increase to many allied health rebates for many years either - which, again, hits people with chronic conditions. Vet affairs allied health haven't had any increases in fee schedule for medicare for a number of years either - hardly a motivation for health professionals to continue to practice in veterans health - which doesn't make it easy for experienced practitioners to stay in this area of practice providing the care required.
Dental is still not included in Medicare :-(