Is the GP Co-payment dead, or is it just resting?

I cannot believe the fuss re paying $7 to see your doctor, the economy is a total disaster thanks to our previous government, you cannot tell me that a $7 co payment will be such a strain on the population, it is fine to find the money for cigarettes, alcohol and tattoos but not $7 for a visit to the doctor, i am sure that there is nowhere in the world where you can visit your doctor for $7. I hope the co payment goes through the senate 

For John Mangos, Thank you for the effort you are putting in to give we 50+ members the financial support by lobbying Government on our behalf. I, for one really appreciate what you and no doubt others are working at on our behalf. Thank you again Desleigh Hamilton 

Our local medical clinic (now a part of a chain) charges $80 for a consultation. The rebate from medicare is $37, leaving an out of pocket expense of $43. Reason enough I would have thought to discourage trivial visits. And even for those who are bulk billed, the medicare levy of 1.5% now increased to 2% is extracted from taxable income. So the only folk not paying anything for medical advice are those with no taxable income, in which case a copayment can only add hardship. For those left with an already fat out of pocket payment, a copayment of any amount simply adds insult to injury. 

Morning John, I have no hesitation in this $7 so-payment as at the moment my GP does not bulk bill and even though I am a pensioner (75) I have to pay roughly $56 up front and then $33 gets refunded to my bank. Everyone should have to pay for their health and I totally agree with some people who mention the fact that people use their GP ridiculously when they could just take a Panadol. Especially with children, the bulk of whom are bulk billed, Some young Mums live at their doctor. Thanks 

Like the majority of contributors, I totally support the co-payment contribution. We are all getting older and use medical services more often, so where does medicare start to become over costly for the government and an increase in contribution rate becomes inevitable. Like one of the previous contributors, I have had one of these confounded coughs for at least 3 months and between medicare and PBS I have used over $1000 of public money to try to resolve the problem. Someone has to pay and I certainly would not object to paying $7 for my 5 visits to my GP just for this issue alone. 

This is very good for elderly to maintain health management BUT how about the many of us who will probably lose the Commonwealth Seniors Card To provide the PBS prescriptions required to maintain our health. This will affect many self funded retirees who are not a burden on the pension system. Please consder the far reaching ramifications if we are unable to afford full prescription costs With Thanks Thomas and Pamela Chapman 

The co-payment should have been $5 with the usual safety nets but going toward the budget for a period of time & then going to the miracle cure fund. That way they could have had a chance of selling it. 

I don't have a problem with the co-payment. If something is free it is constantly abused and $7.00 is very little for a medical appointment. I have worked in the medical field and have some experience in the way bulk billing is overused by some. Carol NSW 

I have to pay for a plumber, electrician, mrchanic etc, why should I get my doctor paid for by someone else. $7:00 to see ahealth specialist is a bargain. 

Thanks John et al, sorry still think Abbott has no SOUL, Ebola an unbelievable stance when they can get injured soldiers to Turkey, Germany, UK, plus begging by US, our AMA, volunteers, United Nations. Don't want to parade his religion or ethnicity as reason