Pensioners to shoulder $1.6b of private health insurance 'cash grab', analysis reveals
New parliamentary analysis reveals that Australian pensioners will bear the brunt of proposed private health insurance rebate changes, losing approximately $1.6 billion. The government intends to use the $3 billion in total savings to fund the aged care system.
Why it matters
The policy change highlights the tension between fiscal consolidation and the financial stability of vulnerable elderly populations.
The government has proposed winding back the rebate those aged 65 and over receive on their private health cover. ( ABC News: Matt Roberts )
Parliamentary analysis shows pensioners will lose out on about $1.6 billion when new private health insurance rebate changes come into effect.
The federal government has been under increasing pressure over the proposal from advocates, the states and territories and political opponents.
The government has been urged to carve out pensioners from the changes, but is determined to push ahead with them
Link copied Share Share article Pensioners will be hit hard by the federal government's controversial private health insurance rebate changes, with new analysis revealing about half of the $3 billion in forecast savings will be clawed back from those on lower incomes.
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