Prediction - End of Medicare

As mentioned in a previous post, we're seeing the gradual dismantling of the medicare safety net but the government - yet another case of boiling the frog. If they came out and said "that's it, we're killing off medicare", it wouldn't happen because they'd be toss out quick smart - so they're taking it apart a piece at a time. How's that possible? Well:

1. 80% Coverage Clause

This change that provides 80% coverage (regardless of the scheduled fee) means that, before long, we will have $200 consults. How's that possible? Well, people are "comfortable" paying $40 per consult now. So, if the government will stump up with 80% ($160), then all the poor punter has to cough up is $40. Now, is the government is going to bankroll $160 consults??? Not bloody likely mate. No, well before that happens (lets say $80), the government will say "this is too expensive" and start to roll it all back (and put the cost back onto punters).

2. 30% Private Insurance Rebate

As per the above, this is gouging the health budget because, year after year, the punters are slogged with > than inflation increases (7-8% each year for 3-4 years!).

All of these moves are against the original tenets of medicare - namely to contain cost increases of these essential services. By imposing a scheduled fee, doctors are effectively forced into being competative or else pass on the costs to the punter - which would be political suicide.

So, now they simply bankrupt the system and wait for it to collapse.

How long have we got???