The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) says the Australian Medical Association’s (AMA) alternate model to the government’s proposed $7 co-payment is on the right track, however it is still concerned about the risks posed to vulnerable populations.
The AMA today released its alternative co-payment model, which has been kept under wraps since the government invited the organisation to lead negotiations on the proposed co-payment in July.
The AMA’s alternative model suggests a $6.15 co-payment (which aligns with the current bulk-billing incentive) be applied to all patients, with the Government covering the cost for concession card holders, patients under 16 years of age.
The co-payment would not apply to services delivered outside of general practice, such as in aged care facilities or home visits.
RACGP President, Dr Liz Marles said while it is positive the proposed alternative model would exempt some vulnerable groups from the co-payment, there are still many at risk.
“The fact there is a co-payment still on the table, regardless of the amount, fails to present a funding solution that takes into account the needs of Australia’s most vulnerable populations,” said Dr Marles.
“It is a positive move that for some of our most vulnerable populations the AMA has proposed the cap for bulk-billed general practice services be lifted, a move the RACGP supports and has long called for.
“However, the RACGP is concerned Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, those suffering mental health issues and those facing hardship not covered by a concession card – all of whom have considerable healthcare needs – are still disadvantaged under this model.”
As the peak representative body for general practice in Australia representing over 27,000 GPs, the RACGP believes the alternative model does not truly reflect the position of the wider general practice profession.
“There is little evidence to suggest a co-payment funding model for general practice contributes to any long-term savings,” said Dr Marles.
“Funding reform should be based on driving quality in general practice to reduce expenditure in the very expensive secondary and tertiary sectors.
“It is this type of model that the RACGP believes would benefit GPs, patients and the government well into the future.”
The RACGP is committed to achieving the best possible health outcomes for all Australians and will continue to advocate for a ‘Healthy Profession. Healthy Australia.’