Will the 30% rebate stay?
8 Feb 2002
The Federal Government indicated yesterday that they remain committed to the 30 per cent rebate and that there would be no change to the scheme.
A spokesperson representing 60 Catholic hospitals said the government could save over $300 million by removing the rebate off ancillary cover – ancillary cover includes cover for dental and optical services as well as things like physiotherapy. The 30 per cent rebate scheme currently costs the government about $2 billion each year.
Yesterday the Federal Health Minister Kay Patterson twice declined to rule out the possibility of removing the rebate. However, her office later released a statement saying the government would honour its election commitment to the full 30 per cent rebate.
The Australian Financial Review, p6, 8/2/02.
by Karen Hawkins
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