
"Greedy" doctors blamed for soaring private health bills
“Greedy” doctors and hidden private hospital fees are being blamed for the rising cost of private health insurance.
“Greedy” doctors and hidden private hospital fees are being blamed for the rising cost of private health insurance.
Medibank says claims grew by $21 million more than expected last year and will continue to rise through FY20, driven by higher private hospital payments and prosthesis costs.
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A new SA Health plan to ease pressure on elective surgery waiting lists could see more than 1000 public patients shifted to private hospitals for treatment over the coming year.
Families will have to find an extra $140 a year with private health insurance premiums to rise by close to four per cent from April.
Australians with private health insurance are being promised simpler policies, more affordable premiums and easier access to mental healthcare from next year, but critics say the shake-up will mean little difference for families and older Australians.
Public patients are being bumped down the elective surgery queue in public hospitals in favour of those using private health insurance to foot the bill.