Fact 1
Total health spending in Australia is $140.2 billion ($59.5 bill from Commonwealth govt $38.3 from Stat govts) 9% of GDP.
Fact 2
Spending on GPs is $7.4 billion. GPs are the cheapest end of the health system. Not much to be gained in this area relative to the big ticket items in health
expenditure.
Fact 3
Spending on GPs increased from $301.60 per person in 2006 to $304.40 in 2012 (productivity commission figures). Not exactly unsustainable growth.
Fact 4
All developed countries recognise that spending on prevention ie GPs and related services is the best way to address hospital overcrowding.
Fact 5
We spend less per head than comparable developed countries but have better life expectancy.
Fact 6
Australians go to hospital at a higher rate than almost any other developed country. Ie system too hospital centric.
Fact 7
Raising the Medicare levy by 1% would raise an additional $7 billion.
Fact 8
Numerous reports and surveys have shown Australians would be prepared to pay higher taxes in order to ensure access to health services.
Fact 9
Patient out of pocket expenses are increasing rapidly already represent 22% of health spending.
Fact 10
The effect of the proposed $6 co payment would be to shift patients to extremely crowded hospital emergency depts.
Fact 11
Modelling by SA govt has indicated total cost to the system of $6 co-payment would be $2 billion.
Fact 12
The AMA; GPs and consumers agree that they do not want prices and services controlled by a US style private health insurance model.
What is the point of being a wealthy country if you can’t spend money on staying well and treating illness?
VMAG are gravely concerned that the Abbott Government is moving to create a US style health care system controlled and operated by private health insurance where those with the means can get access to treatment and those without miss out.
Total health spending in Australia is $140.2 billion ($59.5 bill from Commonwealth govt $38.3 from Stat govts) 9% of GDP.
Fact 2
Spending on GPs is $7.4 billion. GPs are the cheapest end of the health system. Not much to be gained in this area relative to the big ticket items in health
expenditure.
Fact 3
Spending on GPs increased from $301.60 per person in 2006 to $304.40 in 2012 (productivity commission figures). Not exactly unsustainable growth.
Fact 4
All developed countries recognise that spending on prevention ie GPs and related services is the best way to address hospital overcrowding.
Fact 5
We spend less per head than comparable developed countries but have better life expectancy.
Fact 6
Australians go to hospital at a higher rate than almost any other developed country. Ie system too hospital centric.
Fact 7
Raising the Medicare levy by 1% would raise an additional $7 billion.
Fact 8
Numerous reports and surveys have shown Australians would be prepared to pay higher taxes in order to ensure access to health services.
Fact 9
Patient out of pocket expenses are increasing rapidly already represent 22% of health spending.
Fact 10
The effect of the proposed $6 co payment would be to shift patients to extremely crowded hospital emergency depts.
Fact 11
Modelling by SA govt has indicated total cost to the system of $6 co-payment would be $2 billion.
Fact 12
The AMA; GPs and consumers agree that they do not want prices and services controlled by a US style private health insurance model.
What is the point of being a wealthy country if you can’t spend money on staying well and treating illness?
VMAG are gravely concerned that the Abbott Government is moving to create a US style health care system controlled and operated by private health insurance where those with the means can get access to treatment and those without miss out.