| Publication: | The Australian |
|---|---|
| Date: | 26 November 2009 |
| Section: | The Nation |
Adam Cresswell, Health editor
Article excerpt:
PATIENTS booked in for cataract operations are facing renewed uncertainty about the costs they will pay, after the Senate for the second time blocked a federal government move to nearly halve Medicare rebates for the procedure. The disallowance move by Coalition and minor party senators yesterday afternoon means that until the government responds, no Medicare payments at all currently apply to cataract operations - prompting accusations on both sides that patients are being ignored. The opposition is demanding the government agree to restoring the original rebate of $623.70 for the most common type of cataract surgery, which the government last month halved by ministerial regulations to just $312.64. That cut was disallowed by the Senate on October 28, three days before the cut was due to take effect. Federal Health Minister Nicola Roxon responded the next day by announcing replacement cuts of 45 per cent instead of 50 per cent.
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