Media releases

The Consumers Health Forum welcomes in principle Labor’s plan to remove the health insurance rebate from “junk” policies but urges caution in implementing such a measure. “We have called for the Government in its review of private health insurance to use the health insurance rebate to stimulate...

Labor’s preventive health policy is a welcome step forward for Australia, providing a plan for national action to combat the chronic disease epidemic, the Consumers Health Forum said today. “It is well past time that we as a nation took concerted action to turn around the unhealthy way of life that...

The allegations made by the ACCC against Medibank Private highlight the urgent need for reforms to make health insurance simpler, transparent and more certain for consumers. “These allegations follow widespread reports and complaints about the failure of Australia’s biggest health fund to alert...

Both side of politics have at the weekend issued policies promising a better health deal, underlining the need for improvements in public hospital financing and private health insurance, the Consumers Health Forum says. “We welcome the commitments by the Coalition and Labor. While they reflect...

Australia needs a 21st century health system which makes the most of the huge potential we have to advance care for all Australians. “Health is a top issue in this federal election because most Australians are concerned about the future health care of themselves and their children,” the CEO of...

Health consumers can expect temporary relief from the prospect of out of pocket costs for diagnostic imaging services such as mammograms and ultrasounds as a result of an agreement announced by the Health Minister, Sussan Ley. “This is a welcome step, along with the promise of an independent...

The Consumers Health Forum welcomes the Greens plan announced today to reinvigorate Australia’s ailing provision for the care of the chronically ill. “This is an ambitious but achievable plan that would benefit millions of Australians living with chronic and complex conditions who currently cannot...

The Consumers Health Forum welcomes Labor’s pledge not to proceed with a planned rise of up to $5 in the charge for prescribed medicines. “Australians face heavy co-payments for health care as it is and increases of between 80c and $5 extra depending on concession status would hit those with...

The Consumers Health Forum calls on the Federal Government and the Opposition to lift the freeze on Medicare payments, to undertake a wide-ranging review of health costs and give new Health Care Home models of care the maximum chance of success. The Federal Government’s deal with pathologists at...

Crunch time for thousands of young people comes the day before polling day. That’s the annual deadline to sign up for health insurance and it comes as private cover is beset by frustration and confusion, the Consumers Health Forum says. Australians who have turned or are about to turn 31 must take...