Medicare overhaul on cards: rich to pay more?
FEDERAL Health Minister Peter Dutton has flagged an overhaul of Medicare, suggesting Australians who can afford it should pay more for their healthcare.
Mr Dutton has used a major speech to declare he wants there to be a frank, fearless and far-reaching discussion about the health system, the ABC reports.
He argued the system is unsustainable and he wants to "modernise and strengthen" Medicare.
He has told the ABC's 7.30 program there needs to be discussion around co-payments.
"...One important job of the Abbott Government is to grow the opportunity for those Australians who can afford to do so to contribute to their own healthcare costs.
Should wealthier Australian pay more for their healthcare? Let us know what you think?
Reader poll
Should wealthier Australians contribute more for their healthcare?
This poll ended on 27 February 2014.
Current Results
Yes. The current Medicare system is not sustainable
21%
No. We all pay enough taxes now
18%
Yes. They should be forced to have health insurance
14%
No. They are already penalised through Medicare levy
46%
This is not a scientific poll. The results reflect only the opinions of those who chose to participate.
Mr Dutton's comments come amid warnings the creation of a $6 fee to visit GPs around the country could clog up emergency departments as lower income Australians sought medical help.
Such problems could be more pronounced in regional areas where medical services are fewer and further between than in major cities, witnesses told a Senate inquiry.
Health and social services advocates were among several witnesses to speak to the Senate inquiry into the Abbott government's Commission of Audit.
The inquiry, which is investigating the scope of the audit and what stakeholders would like to see in its recommendations, heard of the possible effects of the $6 GP fee proposal.
