Summary
Date: 27 July 2017
The RACGP has responded to the Senate inquiry into the Value and affordability of private health insurance and out-of-pocket medical costs.
The submission indicates support for the exploration of Private Health Insurance (PHI) in general practice, for services not covered by Medicare. General practice is central to the Australian health system. If implemented correctly, the involvement of PHI in general practice could support patient access, improving patient health outcomes and reducing downstream health system costs to both government and patients.
The RACGP has identified a range of areas that could be explored, balanced with identified risks that need to be mitigated if the involvement of PHI in general practice is progressed.