| Publication: | The Australian |
|---|---|
| Date: | 18 May 2009 |
| Section: | The Nation |
Lauren Wilson and Matthew Clayfield | May 18, 2009
Article excerpt:
AS a radiologist, Michael Wilks understands the pressure the public health system is under. That is why he would never sacrifice his family's private health cover, even when his rebate evaporates.
Dr Wilks, who lives in Stonyfell in Adelaide's eastern suburbs with his wife Kat and their three children, earns in excess of $240,000. This means that as of July 1 next year he will receive no rebate on his Medibank Private health cover policy, which currently costs him about $5000 a year.
The Government is convinced that there will not be a mass exodus from health funds and Dr Wilks can understand why.
"You don't want to take shortcuts with your family's medical care. It may mean you don't get that extra holiday, but it's the ability to elect to have something done with the surgeon you want and not have to wait two to three years in the public system," he said.
And even if Dr Wilks were to drop out of private health insurance he would be hit with a 1.5 per cent Medicare surcharge levy - which would leave him worse off financially than he would have been from his health insurance contributions.
Article summary:
Everyday examples of two families who appreciate the peace of mind that comes with having private health cover and would not forego health insurance despite last week's budget announcement to subject the private health insurance rebate to means testing.
"I've had private health insurance but I've not necessarily used it. It's one of those things that unless you've got ongoing needs ... you have like car insurance, for the worst-case scenarios."
