Reform for private health insurance necessary
The AMA released its pre-budget submission on private health insurance this week.
In the wake of private health insurance premium increases and booming profits for insurers, the AMA is calling for a new independent body to oversee the sector to ensure patients get value for money.
AMA President Professor Steve Robson released the AMA’s private health budget submission on Tuesday, which calls for a Private Health System Authority to ensure appropriate oversight of the sector.
“We need an independent body that has the capacity, objectivity, and expertise to ensure the system is fair for patients and balances everyone’s interests,” Professor Robson said.
The submission calls for a mandatory minimum payout with 90 per cent of every premium dollar going back to the patient.
The submission continues the advocacy work of the AMA on reforming the private health system. We've been working with key players in the sector to address the need for reform, including a workshop held in our federal office last year bringing together private healthcare sector leaders, during which agreement was reached on the need for reform.
