Private health rebate cuts spark state backlash

The Albanese government plans to abolish higher private health insurance rebates for senior Australians, replacing the current age and income-based assessment system with one based solely on income from April next year. Health ministers from Queensland, New South Wales and Tasmania warn the policy will push more people into public emergency departments and criticise the lack of consultation. Federal modelling predicts more than 44,000 people will drop their private health coverage, with those maintaining policies facing costs of $200-$250 more, while the government plans to redirect the $3 billion saved into aged care.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.