LEAKED MODELLING EXPOSES MORRISON’S PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE SHAM

Scott Morrison’s private health insurance “reforms” will force up prices or rip away coverage for millions of Australians – all while protecting the profits of the big insurers.

According to reports today, leaked modelling shows premiums will rise by up to 12 per cent for some people next year under the Government’s favoured plans.

 

And under the Government’s Gold/Silver/Bronze/Basic categorisation, many common procedures that are currently covered under some low-cost policies – including knee and hip replacements and cataract surgery – will only be covered under the most expensive policies.

 

That means millions of Australians will either be forced to pay more to maintain their current levels of coverage, or miss out because they cannot afford it.

 

The Liberals have repeatedly claimed no one will be worse off under these changes. This modelling demolishes those claims.

 

It’s clear now why they refused to come clean with the Australian people and publicly release this modelling.

They must now explain the impact their policies will have on ordinary Australians already struggling with the cost of health care.

The Liberals designed these changes in hand-in-glove with the industry, giving insurers everything they wanted and protecting their profits.

Once again Scott Morrison is putting the profits of big business ahead of the health care needs of ordinary Australians.

 

Many stakeholders – including some insurers themselves - are now calling for a delay to these categorisation changes. The Government must explain why it is instead insisting on rushing them through.

 

Under the Liberals, premiums have increased by 27 per cent since 2014 – costing families an average $1,000 more.

The Government’s changes this year resulted in a double-inflation 4 per cent premium price rise – double what Labor’s policies will deliver.

Labor will cap premium price increases at 2 per cent for two years, delivering families an average saving of $340 and shifting the balance back in the favour of consumers rather than private health insurance company executives.

We will also task the Productivity Commission with a sweeping review to identify long-term ways to bring down costs and improve quality.