CHA Asks…

Incorporate hospital costs, including wage growth, into the annual private health insurance premium round process. This would pave the way for the implementation of a National Private Price.

Incentivise state and territory governments to utilise private hospital capacity for public hospital waiting lists. This could involve additional federal funding to encourage states and territories to meet performance targets​

Directly link premium round increases with higher returns to patients and hospitals and/or mandate a minimum return of premiums to hospitals. Additionally, the capital reserve requirements for private health insurers​ should be amended so more funding flows to hospitals, and the entirety of the Government’s private health insurance rebate should be directed to patient benefits ​instead of insurer’s administrative and management expenses

Enhance the accessibility and affordability of maternity and mental health services by reviewing the design of insurance products to ensure they are fit for purpose.

Allow overseas-trained psychiatrists to work in private hospitals, and allow appropriately trained and qualified health professionals to admit patients to mental health day programs to reduce treatment delays especially in areas with a shortage of psychiatrists.

Increase default benefits paid to regional, rural, and remote private hospitals who often struggle from smaller patient numbers and higher operating costs.

Introduce default benefits for hospital-in-the-home to enhance access to these services and ensure funding stability for providers.

Develop and commit to measurable and targeted improvements in primary care services to reduce the burden on public hospitals. In particular, access to general practitioners needs to be improved, particularly for patients needing aged care and disability services.

Ensure Jobs and Skills Australia prioritises health and aged care workforce development. Re-establish Health Workforce Australia, or a similar workforce planning body, to ensure the care workforce meets Australia’s current and future healthcare needs.