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Publication: |
The Australian |
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Date: |
1 May 2009 |
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Section: |
Business |
Siobhain Ryan | May 01, 2009
Article excerpt:
HEALTH fund HBF and hospital operator Catholic Health Australia have launched last-ditch campaigns against feared budget cuts to the private health insurance rebate, warning cuts will drive out fund members and overload public hospitals. HBF is Australia's fifth-largest health fund and Catholic Health Australia is the largest non-government hospital operator.
In an open letter to Kevin Rudd, published yesterday in state and national media, HBF managing director Rob Bransby called for the retention of the 30 per cent to 40 per cent subsidy for health fund membership for hospital and extras cover. "The proposed changes will be disastrous for people with private health insurance, in particular for many of our most vulnerable members," Mr Bransby said.
