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

I personally didn't and don't have a problem with the co-payment to go to the Drs. etc. as it was only going to be $70 annually, some pensioners spend more than that on gambling, drinking and smoking. I do believe that people should pay something to contribute to their own health status, by that it doesn't mean the Government has to pay for all my health costs. I believe the health funds should give long term customers the benefits that they offer new customers in reduced premiums/free months from payment. 

I have been with NIB for many years and have asked them 'why do you offer deals to new customers but never to old and faithful clients?" Have never received an answer! Have not decided on the co-payments yet but would have had to fork out $70 in the last year if had been in place as have had a cough since last September and even the Specialisy otot decided on the 

I support the co-payment. I don't know anyone who doesn't. 

From the comments here you have totally misrepresented us. I answered your survey and like many others I said I support the co-payment. You should be representing us properly and telling the government that a large number of your members support the co-payment. It seems that somebody in this organisation thinks it is just their personal power base and that they can use the "we have 100,000 members" line to push their own opinions. Represent us properly or soon you won't have 100,000 members. 

I personally believe a copayment is OK.nothing is for free, and money will go to research. Sorry I fully support the copayement, even NZ has a $15.00 copayement, and the sky has not fallen in 

I think think G P co payment is a good idea as it will keep the malingers away from the doctors. A cost of $5.00 would not be asking too mutch. 

Sorry to disagree I totally support the co-payment, too many people abuse the system and go to the doctors because it is "free". In days gone by you would pop in to your local Pharmacy and the Pharmacist would suggest you try this and if no better go to your doctor, or stay in bed for 24 hours and gargle or whatever. Now people must see a doctor if they cut their finger as they are incapable of putting on a band. There will be a safety net for those who need to see a doctor often just as there is with prescriptions. We have to start somewhere to stop the flood of money on the none essential medical treatment that is sending this country broke. NOTHING IS FREE SOEMONE HAS TO PAY. I do not remember people dying in the streets before medicare in fact medical attention was affordable. Those who complain are those who prefer to spend their money on none essentials such a smokes booze and drugs. There are people out there who have not worked for 3 generations since Whitlam introduced the 'gravy train". Also note how many unmarried mothers who have NEVER worked and have more than one child. 

Pam at Wynnum Very disappointed with Clive Palmer .Thought he had the people at heart but now I think he just us conned for his own good. Should have known a business man always looked after himself. and his profits.Was going to vote for his party but they seem to have become a mickey mouse outfit --just my opinion 

No such thing as a FREE LUNCH!!, somebody has to pay for it, so we need to wake up and be prepared to pay a little for a service which is better than eventually having no service to use at all because it has become financially unsustainable. Systems are planned to protect those in the community that have the greatest medical needs and we need to take care of. In our seventies my husband and I are prepared to pay a co-payment to ensure medicare continues as a viable universal health care scheme for Australia into the distant future. 

I wholeheartedly agree with the co-payment system. This is one of the much needed measures to make our universal health care system sustainable. To do otherwise will keep the gate open for improperly uses and abuses and I have seen so much of those for so long.