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Reforms must not allow patients to fall through the safety net

In a new submission the AMA is highlighting the essential role the Medicare Safety Net plays in ensuring patients can afford their medications.

The Australian Medical Association (AMA) has submitted its position on the Medicare Safety Net (MSN) reform consultation, emphasising the need for careful consideration of any proposed changes to this essential healthcare support system.

We advocate for improved access to healthcare through a streamlined Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) that effectively meets the diverse health needs of all Australians.

The Medicare Safety Net (MSN) and Extended Medicare Safety Net (EMSN) are crucial for patients with chronic or complex health conditions, helping them avoid significant out-of-pocket expenses for out-of-hospital services.

The growing issue of out-of-pocket costs, exacerbated by historical freezes in MBS indexation, make a strong case for continued, targeted support programs for low-income patients to ensure equitable access to necessary healthcare services.

Any reforms to the safety nets must be approached cautiously to ensure they do not inadvertently disadvantage patients who rely on these supports for ongoing care.

We are calling for greater efforts to be made to educate consumers about the benefits of the MSN, ensuring that vulnerable populations are well-informed about their options and available support.

We have also made recommendations to improve the current MSN structure to ensure it aligns with patients' health needs, including amendments to better support patients who remain eligible for safety net benefits across calendar years.

Ongoing consultation with healthcare professionals and consumer groups is essential to refine the MSN and EMSN, ensuring that reforms are responsive to patient needs and promote better health outcomes across all demographics.

Read the AMA’s submission

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MBS