2 February 2022 — Media release

Happy birthday Medicare but are you still with it?

Medicare is nearly 40 years old and it’s time to have a rethink of our much-valued universal health care insurance scheme? What aspects of Medicare do you think work well and what needs improving? These are two of the questions we pose in our short Australia’s Health Panel survey out today. “...
1 February 2022 — Media release

Health budget must counter COVID cracks

The Federal budget must step up investments in health and social wellbeing if Australia’s health system is to come out of the COVID pandemic in strong shape, the Consumers Health Forum says. In its submission on the 2022 Federal Budget , CHF has proposed a range of measures that reflect the lessons...
27 January 2022 — Blog

Learning how to live with COVID into the future: the case for better public health messaging

We are moving to a new stage in our response to COVID which demands changes not just from government and the health system, but more particularly from people and communities. COVID is likely to be circulating widely for some years. As we adjust to that reality increasingly people will work out...
A group of people holding balloons with thumbs up or thumbs down
24 January 2022 — Blog

If you want valuable insights from health consumers you engage with, you should start by paying us

For Patient and Health Consumer Advocates it’s a familiar and off-putting first thought when someone approaches us about joining a committee, attending a working group session, or speaking at an event to share our insight into health system reform and innovation from a very different and incredibly...
6 January 2022 — Media release

Open access to RATs makes most sense for the health of all

Rapid antigen testing kits should be universally available to all people in Australia who need them, the Consumers Health Forum said today. “We welcome plans for provision of up to 10 free tests for concession and health care card holders through community pharmacy - this is a critical and overdue...
21 December 2021 — Media release

Let’s work for unity and harmony on COVID this Christmas

The National Cabinet meeting tomorrow must show united leadership now and resolve on concerted action to counter the rapid spread of the Omicron variant, the Consumers Health Forum said today. “The soaring infection figures in several states make it clear this is not the time for relaxation of...
13 December 2021 — Media release

Preventive policy charts path to a healthier future

The Consumers Health Forum welcomes the National Preventive Health Strategy released today which sets out a positive agenda for a future healthier Australia, backed by the aim to earmark 5 per cent of the health budget for preventive action by 2030. The strategy identifies seven focus areas for...
13 December 2021 — Media release

Telehealth now a permanent part of Medicare

The announcement today assuring telehealth’s future as a permanent part of Medicare acknowledges its vital role in enabling access to GPs, specialists and allied health professionals, the Consumers Health Forum said today. “Telehealth has been transformational to health care delivery during COVID...
3 December 2021 — Media release

Greg Hunt pursued a long-term vision for Australia’s healthcare

The Consumers Health Forum thanks the Minister for Health, the Hon Greg Hunt MP, for his service to healthcare especially during the challenges of the COVID pandemic and the national vaccination rollout. “Minister Hunt has progressed a forward-thinking vision for Australia’s healthcare system,” the...
25 November 2021 — Media release

Health funds not meeting expectations

Quarterly private health insurance data from the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) reveal that health funds have increased profits while benefits paid to members have dipped and out-of-pocket costs have grown significantly in the past 12 months. The Consumers Health Forum has today...

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