Newcastle Residents are Paying More than the State and National Average for GP Visits

BY ISABEL EVERETT

New figures released by the NSW Health Department show Newcastle residents are paying more than the State and National average for a GP visit. 

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

Private health insurance simply unaffordable: iSelect

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Private health insurance gives people the ability to select the best possible care, but Hunter residents are increasingly backing out as premiums continue to increase.

A recent survey of NSW found that around 57 per cent don't have private health insurance because they simply cannot afford it. Of those who are privately insured, around 24 per cent say they were likely to downgrade or completely drop their insurance cover in the next 12 months.

Laura Crowden from insurance watchdog iSelect says there's a significant trend causing the huge drop in those covered by private health insurance.

"The participation rates in private health insurance have been declining for many years. At the same time we've seen premiums continue to increase. So since 2010 on average premiums have risen 50 per cent which really means a lot of people are simply unable to afford those sorts of costs."

With many residents considering dropping out, the insurance watchdog is urging everyone to check their cover and make sure you are insured for what you actually need, otherwise you run the risk of additional tax or extra costs if you do choose to opt out.

Extra costs include the government's Lifetime Health Cover (LHC) loading and the Medicare Levy Surcharge for higher income earners (an additional tax on top of the standard 2% Medicare Levy for those who earn over $90,000 (single) or $180,000 (couple/family) and don't have private hospital cover).

"It's really important people understand the implications of either dropping or downgrading or not having private health insurance. It's not for everyone, but certainly the benefits of private health insurance are greater choice and peace of mind that you're able to choose your own doctor, choose your own hospital and be treated much more quickly for elective surgery," said Laura Crowden.

iSelect say it's really important for those struggling with the costs to have a look at their options ahead of June 30 to see if they can get a better deal.

"So first thing we'd encourage Newcastle residents to not set and forget. Don't just take out a private health insurance policy and then just keep it ticking along without regularly reviewing it because as your health needs change as you're either getting older or starting a family it's really important that your private health policy changes with you."