A major shift in Australia’s private health insurance landscape could see nearly 80,000 older Australians drop their cover by 2028-29 under proposed government reforms. The Labor government’s plan to reduce the private health insurance rebate for those over 65 has faced opposition, with the Greens demanding concessions to protect pensioners from financial strain. The changes, set to begin next year, aim to deliver significant budget savings but have sparked debate over affordability for seniors. Parliament has blocked the measure for now, leaving its future uncertain.
Almost 80,000 older Australians expected to end private health cover by 2028-29 as a result of Albanese government’s proposalGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastLabor’s bid to cut the private health insurance rebate for over-65s has been blocked in parliament, with the Greens insisting they will withhold support unless pensioners receive a carve-out from the new rules.The proposed changes, which would take effect from April 2027, would save the federal budget $3bn. Continue reading...
