Over-65s rebate cut: 44,000 may drop cover, AMA warns of hospital strain
Australia's plan to remove the over-65s health insurance rebate loading is projected to save $3 billion over four years, but the AMA warns it could shift costs onto already-strained public hospitals. Modelling diverges sharply on how many seniors will drop cover — 44,000 under government estimates versus 12,000 from University of Melbourne researchers. Older Australians who feel duty-bound to keep insurance may instead forgo GP visits and specialist care, raising longer-term health risks.
Source: theadvocate.com.au · perthnow.com.au