News

Co-payments for general practice visits

The intense speculation circulating in the media about a raft of possible changes to Australia’s primary health care system that could be introduced in the upcoming Federal Budget continues. This week’s speculations again include the $6 co-payment for GP visits, with the news that the expenditure review committee has approved the proposal.

The AMA believes that proposals such as the $6 co-payment are targeted at the wrong end of the health system, would produce disincentives for people to see their doctor, and would create loads of new red tape for medical practices. In addition, the AMA is unconvinced that the predicted savings of $750 million over four years will be realised. The AMA has highlighted with the Minister for Health what it sees as significant flaws in the financial analysis put forward in the co-payment proposal.

Related topics