Advocacy & Rights
COTA urges rebate review as 82% of seniors may drop cover
Advocacy & Rights
COTA urges rebate review as 82% of seniors may drop cover
Advocacy & RightsPolicy & Legislation
COTA Australia · 3 min read · 2 days ago
Original source
Summarised by Stellar
Key points5 points
- COTA Australia's survey found 82% of older Australians oppose the rebate removal, with 89% concerned about its impact.
- Over a third of respondents plan to downgrade or cancel their private health insurance if the change proceeds.
- COTA warns that a mass exit from private cover would increase pressure on the public hospital system, leading to longer wait times.
- The proposal comes amid a cost-of-living crisis, with one in four older Australians living in poverty, making insurance less affordable.
- COTA urges the government to consider the broader health system impact and the value for money of private health insurance for seniors.
Summary
COTA Australia is calling for an urgent review of the government's plan to remove higher private health insurance rebates for over-65s, citing a survey where 82% oppose the change and over a third plan to cancel or downgrade cover. The advocacy group warns that mass exits from private insurance would shift demand to the public hospital system, increasing waiting times and pressure. Providers should monitor this policy closely as it could affect the health system's capacity and the financial wellbeing of older Australians, potentially impacting demand for aged care services.