Publication: The Australian
Section: National Affairs
Date: 25 February 2011
Joe Kelly
Article excerpt:
MOST families with private health insurance will pay about $150 more a year after the Gillard government today approved an average 5.6 per cent hike in premiums. The increase is slightly lower than last year's rise of 5.8 per cent and below the rate of inflation for health services. Australia's overall inflation rate is currently 2.7 per cent. Health Minister Nicola Roxon's office confirmed average premiums for families would rise by $2.88 a week.
Article summary:
Health insurance premiums are set to rise, as they do annually, and most family policies will increase by anywhere between $69 $288 more per year depending on the type of health cover they hold. Ms Roxon said the private health premium increase was “significantly less” than during Tony Abbott's years as health minister. She said health insurance premiums are assessed to ensure consumers remain protected and the solvency of insurers was maintained.
