| Publication: | The Australian |
|---|---|
| Date: | 29 July 2009 |
| Section: | Wealth |
James Dunn
WHEN the federal government tinkers with private health insurance, someone always loses money. There is disagreement in the health industry on what the effect of the recent changes to thresholds and rebates will be, but some say the moves have been inadequately thought through and the risk of unintended consequences -- such as escalating premiums -- is high. Health fund members have faced premium rises at above-inflation levels for the past eight years. This year, the government approved an average 6.02 per cent increase of private health insurance premiums, beginning on April 1.
