| Publication: | ABC News |
|---|---|
| Date: | 9 June 2009 |
| Section: | Australia |
A health policy expert has told a Senate inquiry that many people are likely to keep their health insurance to avoid paying the Medicare levy surcharge.
The Government wants to save money by means-testing the current health insurance rebate.
The Australian Health Insurance Association has warned that hundreds of thousands of people could drop their private health insurance as a result.
But Menzies Centre for Health Policy director Rob Wells says the Treasury's estimate of 25,000 people dropping out is closer to the mark.
The start of the inquiry had to be postponed this morning after Liberal Senators stayed away because they wanted a more extensive hearing.
The committee later reconvened when independent Nick Xenophon participated by telephone, ensuring a quorum.
