Everyday Australians deserve a real voice in the design and implementation of changes to Medicare and other primary health reforms. 

Our health system must work for us – the taxpayers who fund it. The number one priority for consumers is affordable, timely access to a GP, with minimal or no out-of-pocket costs. No one should have to choose between paying for medical care or their mortgage.

At Consumers Health Forum of Australia (CHF), a non-profit organisation, we have advocated on behalf of health consumers for decades, and we are committed to amplifying their voices.

Like Maureen, a resident of remote central western Queensland, who faces a choice between affording healthcare or meeting daily living expenses due to the expensive Medicare gap rebate. This is a choice that shouldn't exist, especially considering the cost of living crisis.
 
Or Joanne, an Indigenous woman in Western Australia, who was hit by a car at 4 years old and suffered five aneurysms at 40. Joanne struggled to navigate Medicare, as her aneurysm doesn't qualify as a chronic condition. Joanne is calling for Indigenous voices in healthcare reform to address the life expectancy gap. 

For too long, healthcare debates have been dominated by lobby groups representing health professionals. The focus has been on their interests, not the needs of consumers.

It is critical that consumers see a real commitment to health reform, with a focus on:

• GP visits more affordable.
• Providing better, faster access to all primary healthcare.
• Offering assistance in navigating the health system.
• Supporting health consumers to play an active role in changes to the system.

It is essential that all Australians have access to affordable, accessible healthcare – either through more bulk-billing GPs or reduced out-of-pocket costs. Putting consumers at the centre will help ensure our health system works for us – the taxpayers who pay for it.

#30yearson  #wherearetheconsumers