BY ISABEL EVERETT
Out of pocket costs have increased by 35% over the last six years, with Novacastrians paying an average of $38 to see a doctor.
The data follows a change to medicare rebates introduced on January 1st 2020, which saw bulk billing incentives for GP'S in the Newcastle area decrease from $9.50 to $6.30 per patient.
Newcastle MP, Sharon Claydon says it's costing people and their families too much.
'"We have a fantastic health system in Newcastle really, but it is one that should always be premised on universal access," she said.
"The point of having a universal health scheme is ensuring there are quality health services which can be delivered all around the nation regardless of where you live or how much money you've got in your wallet."
Ms Claydon says many Hunter residents choose to forgo doctor's visits because of the prohibitive costs.
"People are already facing a growing burden of housing and energy bills and record low wages, so it's no wonder they're avoiding or delaying doctors visits," she said.
"The challenge is how do we continue given they are now faced with these price barriers and record highs in out of pocket expenses."
The data also revealed only 23.2% of Newcastle residents are always bulk billed for specialist appointments, which average at $84.53 per appoinment.
Image Credit: Croakey
