Xenophon fights Government on health insurance
Independent Senator Nick Xenophon is refusing to support the Federal Government’s proposed changes to private health insurance.
The Government plans to cut the Medicare rebate for wealthier taxpayers and hit them with a higher Medicare levy surcharge if they choose not to take out private heath insurance. The measure will be debated in the Senate this week and has already received strong opposition from Xenophon.
Xenophon claims the Government is making a “fundamental mistake” and won’t support the rebate until he gets the results of a Productivity Commission report into the matter in a few months.
Under the draft laws, singles earning more than $75,000 and couples earning more than $150,000 will be affected by the new three-tier system, based on a combination of income and age.
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I wish to comment on your decision not to support the Government on the Private Health Insurance Bill. For a start , I was unaware that you were a member of the Liberal Party, previously. But, if this is the case, I can understand, why you are not supporting the bill. I have been a member of a private Health Insurance Scheme for over 40 years. I have always felt that it was my duty to pay my Health Insurance, because I could afford it, although, we were not on an exorbitant income. Now that I am retired, and caring for my wife, I have continued to keep my Insurance, although it is a struggle to pay the approx $200 a month. I would like you to explain to me , why ordinary people, are expected to contribute to the subsidisation, of the rich and well off, when you know as well as I do, that they can , and should pay their way.Frankly I think it is appalling, that a politician is advocating such a defence of the upper class. I wish to recieve a reply from you, outlining your reasons for your decision to support this appalling decision. Thanks Ken Price.
Hi Ken.
Unfortunately we are not in direct contact with Mr Xenophon himself. However, if you wish to speak to him, may I suggest visiting his website? Contact details are below:
http://www.nickxenophon.com.au/page.php?id=55
Hope this helps!
Regards,
Jessica Stanic
Nobody denies that healthcare is in need of a major overhaul, it’s about how we go about making changes. Considering the fact, medicare is already subsidized by the government and the new legislation is already paid for, we find it distasteful that so many complaints come from people that are mad about why their tax dollars should be used to pay for medical care.