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NewsThe Results are in: FiftyUps send a message to the Federal Health Minister
The Results are in: FiftyUps send a message to the Federal Health Minister

The Results are in: FiftyUps send a message to the Federal Health Minister

Tags: Consumer Action Cost of Living Insurance Private Health Insurance
Last updated by John Mangos on

John MangosFederal Health Minister Peter Dutton, here I come.

I am looking forward to our meeting next week, where I hope to be the voice for more than 90,000 FiftyUp Club members on health care costs.

Something tells me it will be a very productive meeting. I will bring with me the results of a survey, which more than 11,000 FiftyUps have answered in just over a week.

That’s an astonishing sample by any pollster’s measure, and Mr Dutton will learn that we are fair and reasonable in what we are asking for.

For example, 60% of we FiftyUps agree that our health system is unsustainable and 70% are prepared to contribute a small amount to our own health care costs if it helps balance the Federal Budget.

We have always said we are prepared to do some of the heavy lifting, and these figures prove it.

However 30% told us that planned GP co-payments would force them to avoid the doctor when sick, or burden a hospital instead. On this I am sure the Minister has seen his own private polling, and our numbers will back it up.

Mr Dutton won’t be pleased about this next figure: a huge 40% of you say co-payments and Health Insurance prices are likely to change how you will vote at the next election. Ouch!

No Minister likes to hear that.

I will break down our survey results in my meeting with him so that you can be assured he is hearing your collective concerns.

How can I not bring to his attention the fact that 20% of you, one in five, see a GP on average more than 10 times a year? Let’s do the math. If you go say 10 times, multiply that by $7 and there’s an extra $70, and that’s before the extra charges at say pathology or x-ray.

To be fair, the Minister will also learn 32% of FiftyUps will have no trouble paying it, but he will also have confirmed that many of our members are just plain doing it tough.

A whopping 64% say co-payments will force patients to avoid the doctor when sick. None of us wants that to happen.

I will, of course, tell him that many FiftyUps have been forced to reduce their cover, and that an overwhelming 80% of us want more publicity and transparency about information from the different health insurers about increases to charges to FiftyUps – as the FiftyUp Club has repeatedly called for.

Thank you for responding to our survey, if you have. If not, it’s still not too late to add your voice. It’s free to join the Club, and obligation-free, at www.FiftyUpClub.com so get on board and fill out the 3-minute survey.

I will continue to keep you posted on developments.

Originally posted on .

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The Results are in: FiftyUps send a message to the Federal Health Minister

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Pamela
Pamela from NSW commented:

Those of us who are retired want to be left alone in our last years to experience some peace. Leave us alone. We've worked, we've studied, we've paid our taxes - LEAVE US ALONE IN OUR RETIREMENT. Although I had come first in every primary school exam, I had to leave school at 15 and work full-time. I gained my high school education at night college. I also gained my Teaching Diploma in my own time at my own expense while I worked fulltime. 

Patricia
Patricia from NSW commented:

Why are the co payments not put back into the struggling Medicare system? Co payment funds raised to go to research are subject to lobbying and political nepotism. Who is going to be responsible in directing where the funds should go? Although research is great and needed on an ongoing basis, research takes time and I will probably be dead before any of this funded research comes to a successful outcome! 

Pamela
Pamela from NSW replied to Patricia:

Probably to be put back into wealthy drug companies so that researchers can prove their lies 

Glenda
Glenda from NSW commented:

I don't think co payments should apply to childrens health. I believe this would appease the public 

john
john from NSW commented:

John From NSW. why are the Pensioners & Low INCOME earners targeted In this budget, We see a lot of business left alone IS THIS lIBRAL POLICY The next election is already looming big. 

Vivien
Vivien from NSW replied to john:

John pensioners and low income earners are the biggest drain on our economy. I don't mean that to sound derogative, it's just a fact. High income earners are already working 5 months a year to fund others welfare etc. My husband and I are small business owners, if we are hit with anymore expenses it just won't be worth the time and worry of keeping our business going. That will just send more to Centalink. Please don't demonise the wealthy and business owners, after all, they are the ones employing people and paying the bulk of taxes. 

lesley
lesley from NSW commented:

As a self funded retiree still paying taxes after retirement age this rediculous goverment is making it harder for the aged why do they receive full pensions for the rest of their lives with all the perks whilst we have to keep battleing on. whilst they are still taking from the aged and battlers. This co payment will only make it harder for those who can least afford it. 

Desley
Desley from NT commented:

Darwin has only just got some bulk billing centres. Been doing it tough here for years when seeing a doctor. Please no co payment. 

Robin
Robin from QLD commented:

Wrong question. Would I change my vote because of the co payment? NO! Why not ? I did not vote for the coalition! Right question. Would the co payment make me e less likely to vote for the coalition.DEFINITELY,much less likely.It is only the aged and the most disadvantaged in our society who are doing the heavy lifting. The pollies are now getting a fleet of BMW's. Now that's heavy lifting, from us to them! 

Someone
Someone from QLD commented:

50 ups have paid their dues, I started work at 15 and so did my husband we have paid tax, medicare etc ever since. Why are we expected to continue paying for bad management and future generations who have not yet paid their dues. Its time government was run as a business with the same rules and restrictions as private enterprise. Marilyn qld 

James
James from QLD commented:

What should be remembered is that {most] senior people paid their taxes whilst they worked in the past .In retirement they deserve the rewards for this. If more money is needed for the country then present tax payers should pay. James 

Ron
Ron from QLD commented:

Thanks for this preamble to your meeting, the stats say it all. I will really be interested in the outcome of your meeting, let us know what his body language says as well as his words. Quite often many politicians words say one thing and the body language says another. Health costs are one of the biggest costs in my household and I am on the threshold of not being able to afford them and maintain a reasonable life if changes like those outlined continue. 

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