Health Debate hots up
by defendmedicare.info Friday October 01, 2004 at 01:14 AM

The Health Debate hots up as we get closer to the election. Here are highlights of the week. More discussion on the Government Safety Net Cost blow out and the money going primarily to the rich. The ALP has stated the election is a referendum on Medicare, while Howard attempts to dismiss the claim. The Labor party extends the concept of Medicare with the introduction of Medicare Gold for everyone over 75 years of age, which will also reduce Health Insurance premiums.

Government Safety Net Costs blow out and the money goes to the rich.

The evidence shows it is the rich who are benefiting most from MedicarePlus, writes Charles Livingstone, senior research fellow in the Faculty of Health Sciences at La Trobe University..' The truth about Abbotts safety net. The most affluent parts of Australia have consumed most of the safety net payments. The cost of the safety net is blowing out to 250 million or more, double the original price tag. Only those with enough money to pay the bill go to see a specialist so its no suprise to hear that affluent liberal electorates spent most of the safety net money.

The safety net covers those who spend big on specialists but offers no control on costs versus the ALP policy which delivers free care to the neediest. (Bob McMullan trawls through Treasury health figures)

Election as a referendum on Medicare

Mark Latham says the election is a referendum on the future of Medicare. The NSW Nurses Union is running a public campaign in marginal electorates in support of Medicare. The electors of the Brisbane marginal seat of Dickson list Medicare as a major issue, while the Wage Battlers in Geelong, Victoria miss bulk-billing.

John Howard knows that health is not the Liberals strong point. He dismissed the claim that the election was a referendum on Medicare claiming instead that it was rather a referendum on who could manage the economy and keep Australia strong at a time of terrorism.

Labor says One Billion dollars to Public Hospitals but not everyone is happy.

Labors promise of 1 billion to public hospitals gets a mixed response. The AMA and the private hospitals are unhappy, but the public hospitals and the Doctors who work in them welcome more money. Catholic Health welcomes Labor's committment to public hospitals. This looks like if you are concerned about the patients you are happy, if you want to make a buck you aren't.

We aren't suprised to hear that the Liberals won't match the Labor's offer of 1 billion dollars to public hospitals. 'Why would you trust Labor with the health system', says Tony Abbott. Now that really is the pot calling the kettle black.

Democrats say the ALP should scrap the private health insurance rebate but the Greens don't muck about. They promise to do the deed and scrap the private health insurance rebate. Now they just have to win the election.

Introducing Medicare Gold

The ALP said it will take full responsibility, if it gains government, for the hospital costs of Australians over 75. This would decrease private insurance costs by 12% says Julia Gillard, Shadow Minister for Health. This proposal meets wide support. The Private Hospital Association supports Labor's Medicare Gold policy. The NSW Health Minister says Medicare Gold scheme will end cost shifting between states and the federal government. The Victorian Premier Steve Bracks backs Medicare Gold.

Catholic health backs Medicare Gold saying that it is a fair and practical solution. Pensioners and health care providers have welcomed the Federal Labor Party's plan to pay for hospital care for elderly Australians. The Liberals are keen to pour cold water on the whole idea. Abbott criticises Medicare Gold, says it can't be done and blames public hospital problems on the States. Howard says Medicare gold scheme will blow out hospital waiting lists.

Other Labor promises this week: to increase bulkbilling to 80%; to upgrade public hospitals; to introduce a national dental program for health care card holders and age pensioners; there are currently no bulkbilling private practices in Alice Springs so the Labor candidate Warren Snowdon has promised 2.4 million over 4 years to increase bulk billing availability; in WA Labor promises to fund after hours GP services; Mark Latham promises money for cancer services; and 100 million dollars for mental health services.

Analysis

While most articles focus on who promised what there is also some interesting analysis. Kenneth Davidson in the Age: 'The Howard changes to the health system are taking Australia rapidly down the road towards the US health system where the nation spends 13-14 per cent of GDP on health and has worse health outcomes in terms of infant mortality, longevity and morbidity than most OECD countries.' Ultimately, experts agree that a national review of the health system, investigating cost-shifting, duplication and the missed opportunities of our disconnected health system will move Australia closer to the accessible and affordable system foremost in voters' minds, say Ruth Pollard and Mark Metherell. Even the Australian, September 24, 2004, thinks, 'Health system needs a vision.'

The final word goes to Charles Livingstone writing in The Age, "This is a slightly surreal election campaign for many reasons, but one of the more diverting is the spectacle of the Howard Government trying to outspend the ALP on Medicare."

The Northern Territory News election survey shows that whoever delivers the best policies on health will win over the electorate. This is probably true of all the States.

Upcoming Melbourne event

Defend and Extend Medicare Rally MONDAY the 4th of OCTOBER at Lunchtime. State Library in Melbourne.

defendmedicare.info

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