The Blue Mountains GP Network has condemned the freezing of the Medicare rebate at $37 for a further four years.
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Winmalee-based Dr Michael de Vries, the chair of the network which represents 70 Mountains GPs, said continuing the freeze would hit the most vulnerable the hardest – those with chronic diseases, mental health issues and pensioners.
“Patients are suffering as a result of this decision. The freeze takes money away from patients as the rebate is the patient’s return from the government for medical services,” he said.
“The costs to GPs of providing services will continue to increase. Many doctors have tried to absorb the costs of the freeze but it is becoming increasing difficult to provide a quality service with no increase in the rebate.
“Many patients already pay a gap payment as a result of the inadequacy of the rebate.”
A freeze on the indexation of Medicare rebates was frozen by the previous Labor government for nine months in 2013, and the Coalition government has continued the freeze from 2014.
Dr de Vries was concerned continuing the freeze would deter people from visiting their GP, putting further strain on the hospital system.
“We don’t want people going to hospitals when they could be seen at a primary health level.
“Ending the freeze is essential. If it doesn’t happen we are going to get a two-tier system.
“People that can afford it are fine, and others that can’t will struggle.
“We would hope that whichever government comes in will look at primary healthcare.”
Federal Member for Macquarie Louise Markus said the Coalition government was committed to Medicare.
“The government has extended the pause for a further two years due to the Budget situation which Labor left us in.
“It is important that we ensure Medicare remains sustainable for future generations. This extension is essential to ensure that government expenditure is sustainable, and it will save $925.3 million between 2018-19 and 2019-20,” Mrs Markus said.
“At the same time we are introducing reforms like the Health Care Homes which will see eligible patients with complex and chronic conditions able to enrol with a participating medical practice. The practice will be aware of their problems, priorities and wishes, and is responsible for their care co-ordination.”