May 28, 2026
Why specialist out-of-pockets dwarf the official data.
Reported in-hospital out-of-pockets average $270, while breast cancer patients routinely pay $30,000 to $50,000. A new federal inquiry begins.
42 min Policy
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Health Matters. a podcast from Catholic Health Australia
Thoughtful conversations on the future of Australian health and aged care. The policy, the people, and the stories shaping our sector.
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Latest Episode Why specialist out-of-pockets
Why specialist out-of-pockets
dwarf the official data.
Watch Now
A new federal inquiry into the affordability of specialist care opens with a data problem: reported average in-hospital out-of-pockets sit around $270, while patients in the breast cancer community routinely pay $30,000 to $50,000.
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About the show
Because health really matters
Health Matters is the podcast from Catholic Health Australia, the peak body for Catholic hospitals, aged care and community service providers.
Each episode brings together the voices behind Australia's healthcare system: clinicians, carers, policymakers and the people they serve. We dig into the issues that shape how Australians are looked after, from funding reform to workforce to the ethics of care. And we don't shy away from the hard questions.
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Hosted by the team at Catholic Health Australia, Health Matters brings the people, policy and purpose behind Australian healthcare to the mic. Thoughtful conversations, genuine curiosity, and the occasional laugh along the way.