A joint statement by the Consumers Health Forum, Australian Hospitals and Healthcare Association, CHOICE, Public Health Association of Australia and the National Rural Health Alliance. As the organisations who represent Australia’s health consumers and advocate in the interests of the Australian health care system, we call on the Government to ensure its proposed reforms to health insurance benefit ALL Australians.

While the overwhelming majority of middle-aged and older Australians are happy with their GP, as shown in a new national Survey of Health Care, its findings on cost and other barriers underline gaps in care and the need for a better-connected health system. “The Australian Bureau of Statistics...

Beating obesity requires strong government leadership, new partnerships and effective action now more than ever, a compelling new report released today shows. The Tipping the Scales report by the Obesity Policy Coalition and the Global Obesity Centre presents a consensus view of Australia’s leading...

The finding that psychological issues are a leading reason patients see GPs highlights the importance of the GPs’ role as the first base for health concerns in the community. Investing in primary health care led by GPs is the way to a better performing and more consumer-responsive health system.

Research showing that fewer than half of parents are completely confident in their GP to provide general care for their children poses a finding that underlines the case for stronger team-based community care.

The Federal Court’s dismissal of proceedings against Medibank Private underlines the need for greater clarity and transparency in the private health insurance market, the Consumers Health Forum said today. “When consumers take out health insurance they are buying “peace of mind”, but this judgement indicates that they need to regularly examine and re-examine their policy’s fine print to be assured of exactly what their health funds are covering,” the CEO of the Consumers Health Forum, Leanne Wells, said.

The Consumers Health Forum thanks the outgoing Secretary of the Department of Health, Martin Bowles, for his support on consumer issues during his tenure. The chairman of CHF, Tony Lawson, said that it had been of great value to have worked with Mr Bowles. “He saw the importance of ensuring...

Healthcare consumers have today put the case to Health Minister, Greg Hunt, for his National Health Plan to fix Australia’s disconnected care systems. In a Roundtable coordinated by the Consumers Health Forum, twenty consumer health leaders from around Australia met with the Minister in Melbourne...

The risks of over-diagnosis which may lead to more harm than good underline the need for patients to discuss treatment decisions with their doctor to ensure they are well-informed, the Consumers Health Forum says. CHF has joined other health organisations in endorsing the Wiser Healthcare...

Widespread and growing community frustration with the cost and inadequacies of private health insurance oblige the Federal Government to initiate a thorough investigation into its value, the Consumers Health Forum said today. In a submission to the Senate inquiry into health insurance and out of...