| Publication: | Courier Mail |
|---|---|
| Date: | 18 August 2009 |
| Section: | News |
Ärticle excerpt:
PEOPLE have flocked to private health insurance in an apparent rejection of the Rudd Government's ability to fix the public health system and in a bid to escape a new levy.
The Private Health Insurance Administration Council will today report that private health coverage increased by about 43,000 people since the March quarter – or about 211,000 more people compared with the same time last year.
The Courier-Mail can also report that Queensland Health cancelled 273 elective surgeries in the past month – up from 121 the year before.
"Queensland hospitals are currently experiencing an increased demand due to seasonal winter symptoms and H1N1 (and) the increased demand has resulted in some elective surgery patients being postponed due to no ward or intensive care unit beds," a spokesman said.
... Today's release of the new private health statistics – recorded during rising unemployment, the global financial meltdown and a 6 per cent rise on premiums – comes just days before the Rudd Government introduces a Budget measure that will no longer give high-earners a rebate for taking up private health insurance.
...
The Coalition has accused the Government of breaking its promise to retain support for private health insurance.
The Government has already implemented a measure this year, requiring more people to take on private health insurance or face a levy.
