The Coalition’s promised injection of $192 million in to expanded mental health services is a timely step toward what should be a more versatile response to the widespread challenge of mental illness, the Consumers Health Forum said today. “The funding gives the new Primary Health Networks...

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...