'I've bought health cover for 50 years, now I'm penalised for aging'
Minister for Health and Aged care Mark Butler. Picture by Keegan CarrollIn all my time working forThe SeniorI have never seen so many Letters to the Editor on one particular topic as the proposed cuts to the. . .
Minister for Health and Aged care Mark Butler. Picture by Keegan CarrollIn all my time working forThe SeniorI have never seen so many Letters to the Editor on one particular topic as the proposed cuts to the Private Health Insurance rebate has. Create afree accountto read this articleor signup to continue readingThis doesn't take into account the hundreds of readers airing concerns onThe Senior'sFacebook page as well as comments on individual stories covering the Federal Budget announcement. Department of Health officials confirmed on June 3, that 3. 1 million people would be affected if the proposal to downgrade the health insurance rebate for anyone over-65 gets the green light. Around 2. 8 million of these people are on the lowest income tier. Under theproposed changes, those aged 65 to 69 would lose four percentage points from their rebate, while over-70s would lose eight percentage points. It's forecast to add hundreds extra to health premiums each year. The good news: it is yet to pass through parliament. This means,nowis the time to contact your local federal MP and explain just how higher premiums would affect you. It is very clear to me, as the editor ofThe Senior, our readers fear they will be forced to go without. WHAT OUR READERS THINKThe government's reason for cutting older people's rebate is very deceiving. The majority of older people only have the pension and maybe a little bit of savings. it is a minority that may earn more. Thus act penalises older Australian pensioners. The whole purpose of higher rebate for older ones was to try and help those in a fixed pension or low income to help keep their private health so as not to be a burden entirely on the over loaded public system. This will mean higher living costs for those who can least afford itRobert Birch, Christie DownsMy husband (68) and I (66) have worked our entire lives and have had health insurance for many years and now we are being penalised for it. It's a necessity for us. Please don't target those that have worked all their lives. We deserve better. Deb Wilkes, Whyalla StuartRemoving the Healthcare Rebate is counter productive. More will ditch the cover putting more strain on the Public Hospital system, increase wait time and general make healthcare for many just unaffordable. What is this Government thinking? Obviously not to look after the elderly, but more importantly, killing the incentive to do better by woking harder. Shame on you PM and TreasurerElwyn Hodges, ThornlandsHaving started work in the late 1960's I took out my own cover and have contributed ever since and currently hold a policy together with my wife. Since around 2010 we have been hospitalised having undertaken a number of operations covered by our health fund. We are both over the age of 75 and both on the pension. This policy of so-called intergenerational equity needs serious reconsideration. What is an acceptable level to the reduction in the quality of life for older Australians?ward to a well considered response and a reversal of the proposed removal of the health fund rebate. Jack Zweig, East BowralI only can afford to cover myself for my backbone. I have had an operation on my back that could get worse. The Specialist who operate on back bones only operate in private hospitals. It costs me slightly more than $1000 per year which I haven't used in the past 15 years, but still feel I should be covered - just in case. At the moment I could not even afford the $750 excess fee for going into hospital even one night. I feel that there could be some consideration to decrease the fees for pensioners when only covered for a few things. When I was covered fully and had the back operation it still cost me approx $10000 gap plus $1000 for an anesthetist that I was not told about before. Helen Pearce, RenwickMinister for Aged Care and Seniors of Australia Sam Rae with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Picture: Elesa KurtzI have been with HCF Private Health and Extras for over 50 years. My wife and I use our savings to pay over $7000 per year for this insurance and next April will be paying over $9000 with the usual annual increase and if the rebate is reduced by 8% as proposed. We will no longer be able to afford Private health anymore and will have to drop it and rely on the public health system. Cost of living increases with this massive increase has depleted what savings we have had. James Fullerton, KielvaleI've paid private health since I was 17 and now 67. Many of the young don't bother so we are paying for them and yet they are the ones earning! Yes, we might have more medical issues as we get older, but the younger ones are more involved in sports and car accidents (my assumption). This is pure ageism. The government is doing this as they want their votes - well they won't be getting mine! They give free childcare; free vouchers for sport for the kids and many other things. All we get is a small increase in pension that is not even enough to pay for a cup of coffee. THIS HAS TO STOP!Christine Gardiner, MorphettvilleI am 80 years old on a pension. I worked from age 14, paid into my health fund from 18, and want the security of having private cover. I will keep my funds but will need to make cuts to my normal living expenses ,the pension hardly covers my living expenses now so it will mean some vital cuts to the basics - food and my monthly trip to the movies. I ask that this very unfair item be removed from this horrid budget. - Peggy McConnell, OrangeSimply I'll have to cancel my insurance policy can't afford it. Have to rely on the public hospital from now onwards. William Pinakos, WindsorI am appalled at the Government's decision with the Senior rebate reduction and the generational equalising rationale doesn't hold as every generation will age and benefit. Plus the aging process increases medical needs and is this a scheme to reduce pension payments through earlier deaths with a increasing aging populationAlan Ebert, MelbourneI am 84years old and have worked since I was 15years old. My wife and I don't receive a pension Our private health has increased in the last 2 years . . . [and is] nearly impossible to maintain at present it is $640 per month. When you're this old you can't change. I consider myself as good proud Australian who has given more than enough for this country with no recognitionNorman Phillips, CronullaTwo men fishing at Kangaroo Point. ACM file pictureWe have been told we must take pressure off public health systems. We have paid taxes. I was made to pay extra for 10yrs as I was over 30 yrs old when I could afford health insurance. Why? Now we are being targeted again. Next it is our SMSF and homes we have paid for with our toil. Michele Caldwell, Mirboo NorthThis is a shocking attack on those over 65. It will force many to drop health insurance and place more aged persons on waiting lists of the already over burdened public system and make private hospitals unsustainable. Barry Shepherd, Gymea BayI can only just afford the health insurance now, but I can't buy as much as I would like food wise et cetera. This increase will make it worse. And I need health insurance. Sue Willis, Banora PointI have Multiple Sclerosis have worked hard all my life till around 55 when it caught up with me. My private health insurance is my safeguard and lifeline without rebates it will become unaffordable and my life and care depend on it. - Julie Foster, WalchaThis is just a cruel typical Labor go at retires particularly those over 70 who most are already doing it tough and really struggling as they are on a reduced income now and another $1600 per year will destroy many. Now is the time governments should be looking after them as they can no longer work, cannot seek another extra income, and this is the time there health fails them and your giving them another "kick in the guts" be hopes the senate and Pauline refuse to pass it. Bruce Norman, MangaloreI am 85 years old, I am so stressed about what the government want to do in regards to the rebate. I already go without to pay my premium. I doubt very much about keeping my health cover and I am so afraid for the future. Please vote against this. Veronica Jameson, ModburyI have been in a health fund for 63 years, I have raised 6 children, all paying tax, I paid tax for 65 years, so why is it intergenerational fairness to rip us off now? Just a tax grab because they have run out of money, old people generally don't vote for an incompetent government?Bob Culbert, KillaraAs a senior over 70 years who has had health insurance for most of my life, I am appalled that this government is planning to [decrease] the rebate. It's not cheap but it is something many seniors on fixed income will pay to ensure their health needs are met as they age and not have to go on waiting lists for sometimes years. Our public hospitals are struggling and this government wants to put more people into a public system that is already overwhelmed. Shame on this government for treating seniors so shabbily after they helped build this country. I hope they will rethink this and leave the rebate in place as our Public Hospitals will not be able to cope with a flood of seniors who can no longer afford Private health. It would appear that the most vulnerable in our society are an easy target. Kathleen Naus, Upper CoomeraAs a self funded retirees we are battling to pay our private health insurance. Every time it increases we have to decide what to go without to pay it. This drop in government discount may be the last straw for us. We can't maintain payment increases again. This will mean we will fall to the public system. Kay North, CootamundraA generic image of a doctor. ACM file picture by Kate HealyIt's a disgrace to even to think about this. How do these politicians think that oldies can afford this How about them taking a cut in their perks not likely. We are paying $590. A month now are thinking we can find another $140 a month plus next year's riseWarwick Marskell, MudgeeMy wife and I are pensioner's this is going to hurt to the point of getting out of private health 1600 dollars a year more is just ridiculous for people on fixed incomes I was a life time labor voter not any more. Maxwell Woosnam, 3216The government should make the rebate means tested but exclude the value of the residence in which a person lives. Roger Adamson, Golden GroveMost older Australians did not reap the benefits of child minding subsidiaries, child birth incentives or the job seeker benefits. They did it tough particularly during the late 80s early 90's when we went through the recession. Senior Australians have paid for private health for many years and coming up to the time when most will likely rely on the insurance they have paid for will no longer be able to afford it. Adding more pressure to the public system and long waiting lists. Allan Smith, CaloundraGet news that matters to you, straight to your inboxJoin50,000+ Aussiesand subscribe to The Senior's bi-weekly newsletters. Get the news that matters to you on all things health, wealth and lifestyle for over-50s direct to your inbox. CLICK HEREto join our community. I have paid private health insurance since my first pay packet. I am now a 77 year old pensioner and still paying it. I was brought up with the ethos of doing what I can to look after myself and allow those who cannot, to be looked after. The current government is doing everything it can to make me rely on the struggling medical system. Why?Carol Reynolds, BangorThere is only one thing to say about this and that is bullshit I'm sorry but today's pension doesn't cover the everyday bills as it is how are we supposed to come up with the extra money to cover this increase one thing for sure people will be dropping health insurance more pain and pressure on the public system stop spending and trying to recover it from the public who are paying enough as it is for everything. Larry Gregorace, Evanston ParkHow is this Intergenerational equality as the increase will force us to drop private health as we struggle for the 400 dollars a month now and go on the public system. Where supporting our daughter and 2 grandchildren now after a domestic violence marriage breakup and our children will get our family home when we are gone . I think its more revenue raising to pay for this government's ludicrous wages and spending with some earning well over half a million dollars a year plus another half million in flights accommodation and perks . Where is the equity there . Brad Ryan, MirrabookaWe are already faced with older people stuck in hospital waiting for somewhere to go. We supported the older population when we were working so I feel we are being penalised now for the younger generation. Merelle Hale, JoondannaMany older Australians struggle to pay private health insurance and thus will result in many cancelling their policies. Extra pressure on public system. Sally Mizrahi, HawthornWhat a spiteful government to hit elderly people with this they should be encouraging us to keep private health so public hospitals don't get over run with more patients on waiting lists. - Jan Ware, BerriganNothing intergenerational about this. It is a direct hit on older Australians forcing them into the already overwhelmed public health system. It is a dishonest grab for money by a morally and intellectually bankrupt bunch of criminals. Aldyth Mackay, NarrabundahI am 84, I have paid into private heath since I was 17 years old. If this cut for pensioners happens I will definitely have to consider to keep or let go. It not only involves hospital but also my glasses cost and hearing aides. This means those things will be impacted. Please don't let this happen. Josephine Moon, MorissetI am trying to live on my single pension which is totally inadequate with no chance to earn anything because of the "income test" provisions and now the labor government has increased my medical cost!Robert Baker, Mona ValeThe most despicable government this country has ever had. working aged people have some control over the income that they are earning. Older people have no means of improving their income. Looking forward to death taxes from this government. What a joke. Rob Brislin, MarengoI have been in a health fund for 50 odd year. The fact that the government is thinking of dropping the percentage for elderly people I feel is disgusting. Most of us scrimp on other things to afford this. Robbing Peter to pay Paul catches up after awhile. Lynette McPherson, Logan VillageWhy is the government hitting oldies in cancelling the rebate we have paid taxes all our lives and went through hard times in World war 2 and after with rationsRosins ZzzBasley, DianellaI have never been able to understand politicians with their view on people's health, health is the most important part of all people's lives, yet idiot politicians seem to think otherwise, taxpayers money for health is needed more than any other needs and I am positive not one taxpayer would be against more money for health as this important problem is beneficial to all from a baby to a centurion. Tom Steindl, BundabergI am 79 years old and on a full aged pension. Even though it is a struggle I have managed to retain my private health care. Every year the funds increase my premiums and if the reduction in rebate goes ahead I will probably have to give up my private health care. This will probably mean a long wait for treatment in a public hospital unless it is an emergency. At my age I could be dead before treatment is available. Jeanette Potter, Rochedale South LoganCount us as out! Already on the edge of deciding to drop out. Frank Lloyd, AspleyI have belonged to various health funds since the day I got my first job at the age of 17. I am now 84 & for the government to raise my contribution at this stage is just plain & simply cruel. My advice to the government would be for them to tighten their belts a little. Janet Arandt, West WodongaThe proposal to reduce the rebate paid to those over 65 years of age goes against every thing Australia stands for and fought for. This proposal discriminates against citizens on the basis of age. To proceed with this legislation is to kick in the teeth to the senior citizens who have already worked hard all their life to make Australia the country it is today. I would like to see the Australian Pensioners Society prepare a case for discrimination to the High Court first then to a World Wide court of Appeal. It starts off in a small way like this then follows on to Insurance premiums of all kinds then before you know it -you will be told to just take this pill, it will fix every thing. Any government that does not value its Senior Citizens does not deserve to govern. Graham Phillips, Emu Park[The government] does not care about the elderly. That is clear from all their policies, especially the Support at Home scheme. My theory is that if they delay any financial support long enough, we'll all be dead, and therefore, not a concern any longer. Don't they realise that there are lots of us, and that we will not go away?- Kathryn TrankalisThe "intergenerational fairness" is just another boomer bashing exercise. We're blamed for everything from climate change to being a drag on the economy. No recognition of all the taxes we paid during our working lives or that we helped make Australia the great country it is. Rosemary Coleman, PakenhamI am 83 years old and have had private cover ever since so why should I subsidise someone just starting out when I have been loyal to the fund for all my adult lifeJohn Brown, BoolarooI am 86 years old and have had private health insurance since I was 16. I cannot believe a Government would penalize seniors by removing the rebate. It makes me wonder why I have paid for it when now that I may need it most I will be unable to afford it. Barbara McDougall, CranbourneI disagree with the government removing the private health rebate for seniors. Many have been paying private health cover for decades and now when they are at a stage in their lives that this cover may be needed they are penalized. This is very disrespectful behaviour especially considering the total spent by each person when adding each premium for each month for each year over at least 40 or 50 years. In my opinion the government does not know how to manage a budget, unlike many seniors who have been budgeting for years. The government is now taking money from the people of Australia at every instant as it has no money to run the country due to its abysmal management. Shame on them !!!Patricia Horneman, BalcattaIt is a disgrace that once again the federal government is not supporting the seniors of Australia but [decreasing] the rebate for private health cover. This is a time in our lives when even more health costs are encountered. I don't have a chance now because of my age to replenish my savings as too old to work. Will I be another victim on the street found homeless because of the increasing costs of living for the elderly?Rosemary Taylor, GeraldtonDo you have a grip with the planned decrease in health insurance rebates for over-65s?We'd love to hear from you. Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send aLetter to the Editor by CLICKING HERE. Twice weeklyThe Senior newslettersStay in the know on news that matters to you with twice weekly newsletters from The Senior.