Pathology Services
A healthier New Year begins with a 30 per cent cut in private health insurance
Dr Michael Wooldridge, the Minister for Health and Aged Care, announces that 5.7 million Australians will be better off when the Federal Government 30% Rebate on private health insurance comes into effect.
December 31, 1998
A healthier New Year begins with a 30 per cent cut in private health insurance
Almost 5.7 million Australians will be much better off and ringing in a healthier as well as happy New Year when the Federal Government 30% Rebate on private health insurance comes into effect from midnight tonight.
The rebate means that private health insurance will be 30 per cent cheaper for all those people who have private health insurance. This means that families and older couples paying a $2000 premium will receive $600 back from the Government and single people paying a $1000 premium will receive $300 back from the Government.
"This dramatic cut in the cost of private health insurance is a great boost for health care for all Australians," Dr Michael Wooldridge, the Minister for Health and Aged Care, said. "From New Year's Day, private health insurance is back down to the price of the early 1980s. Not many things go down in price that much."
"The rebate also means private health insurance is a far more affordable option for those people who wish to have the right to choose their doctor and who want control over when they have an operation," Dr Wooldridge said.
The rebate, which equates to 30 cents back for every $1 spent on private health insurance, will be available to anybody with existing private health cover and anyone who joins a health fund from 1 January 1999.
To coincide with the launch of the landmark rebate, Dr Wooldridge today encouraged all Australians to make health their New Year's resolution and to take advantage of the Federal Government 30% Rebate.
"I'd like all Australians to think about making three resolutions this New Year," Dr Wooldridge said.
"First, if you are a smoker, I'd like you to think about quitting. It may not happen the first time, but if you can quit, your lungs repair themselves.
"Secondly, think about getting a check up from your GP.
"There are many conditions that have a much better survival rate if they're got early, such as breast, cervix, skin and bowel cancers or high blood pressure or diabetes. If your GP picks these up, treatment and the outcomes are much better.
"And thirdly, think about taking out private health insurance - it's now 30 per cent cheaper.
"Given the choice, most Australians would rather have treatment as a private patient, whether in a public or a private hospital.
"Private health insurance gives people control over their lives. They can choose the time of an operation, choose their doctor and they can choose the hospital. It's important for them and for their families.
"This rebate is something the Federal Government has worked hard on, because we want to give people choice," Dr Wooldridge said.
"And, with a 30 per cent cut in the price of all premiums, people should have another look at private health insurance in the New Year."
As an ex-smoker with private health insurance who already sees his GP regularly, Dr Wooldridge's own 'healthy' New Year's Resolution is to play more tennis.
Consumer information on the Federal Government 30% Rebate on private health insurance is available by calling the rebate information line on 1800 676 296.
Most Australians make Health their New Year's Resolution
Coinciding with the introduction of the Federal Government 30% Rebate on private health insurance, a national survey has found health is the number one New Year's resolution among Australians.
The omnibus survey conducted by AC Nielsen showed that 50% of Australians intend to make a health-related New Year's resolution.
Of those making a health resolution, the top resolutions include: to exercise more (38%), lose weight (31%), stop smoking (20%) and drink less (8%).
A further 19% of Australians will be making a resolution to save money, while 11% don't plan to make a resolution for 1999.
In reviewing the findings, Health and Aged Care Minister Dr Michael Wooldridge noted that the new Federal Government 30% Rebate on private health insurance, not only offers Australians a positive health resolution for the New Year but will also result in a direct saving of 30% off the price of private health insurance.
"It's a health and financial resolution rolled into one," he said.
*National telephone survey of 2000 people aged 18+ from metropolitan and regional Australia, conducted 18-20 December 1998 by AC Nielsen.
Media Contact:
Vanessa Monaghan Ph: 0411 255 212 or
Lil Bryant Ph: (02) 6289 5216
