Scott Morrison has launched the biggest attack on Medicare in decades, while out-of-pocket expenses for local residents has increased significantly.
 
Federal Member for Blair, Shayne Neumann said that Scott Morrison has snuck out almost 1,000 changes to the Medicare Benefits Schedule, under the cover of a national focus on the Victorian COVID-19 outbreak. 
 
“Local people are already suffering, but Scott Morrison’s ruthless Medicare cuts will punish people further,” Mr Neumann said.

“Patients have been left in limbo for months waiting to know if their procedure will still be covered or what changes will be made.
 
“Now they face the prospect of life-changing surgeries being cancelled at the last minute, or being landed with huge bills they didn’t expect. 

“These changes will hurt older Australians most significantly.”
 
The AMA warned the Morrison Government about the rushed nature of these changes and the fact they cannot be implemented without significant disruption to the provision of healthcare to countless Australians.

Mr Neumann said that the LNP attack on Medicare is evidenced by the increase in out of packet expenses.

“Across Ipswich, the Somerset Region and Karana Downs area, out of pocket expenses for GP services has increased over 30% since the LNP came to power in 2013.

“Meanwhile, out of pocket expenses to see specialists has increased 57%.

“Cutting Medicare is in the Liberals’ DNA. You can never trust the Liberals on Medicare.
 
“Labor built Medicare and we will always protect it.”