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THE Australian Government reneged on its halving of the cataract surgery Medicare rebate, announcing that rather than the initial 51% cut taking effect, the rebate will now be reduced by 12%.
Minister for Health Nicola Roxon announced the revised policy saying that the Government had consulted with ophthalmologists and had reached a deal that everyone was happy with.
As far as CPSA knows, consumer groups were not included in the negotiations.
To allay concerns about the new cut, patients in the bush will see $5 million over four years to support eye health.
However, cataract surgery under the program is not assured, as the only information available about the $5 million is that it “will help provide improved care for those Australians who are unable to access the same level of services as their metropolitan counterparts”.
CPSA asks, is the Minister referring to patients in Bathurst or Coffs Harbour, or patients in Wilcannia?
CPSA has requested more information from the Minister’s office about the funding, but is yet to receive a response.
CPSA’s position remains that cataract surgery in the public system must be improved so that patients on low incomes do not have to rely on a Medicare rebate when they choose private treatment because of intolerable waiting lists in the public system.
CPSA welcomes extra funding for eye health in rural Australia, but until more details of this program are released, CPSA is concerned that the funding will do little to alleviate waiting lists for cataract surgery in the bush.
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