Australians are spending Billions

Australians are spending $16.9 billion a year from their own pockets on health care despite a Medicare safety net meant to cushion them from health costs. On average, each Australian paid an extra $805 for healthcare in 2004-05 despite a government-funded universal Medicare system and health insurance coverage of over 40 percent. Australian now has the sixth highest OUT-OF-POCKET health expenses in the developed world. Those expenses are growing at more than twice the rate of inflation, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare figures show. Out-of-pocket medical costs are now so high that almost  one in three Australians report going without healthcare because of the costs. Some of the sickest Australians are bearing the biggest burden.

An Access Economics study commissioned by the Cancer Council of NSW SHOWS cancer patients are paying an average of $8900 in out-of-pocket expenses for doctor gap-fees, medicines, wigs, prostheses and transport. Many are being refused free follow-up mammograms after being diagnosed with cancer and have to spend $150 per year to check their cancer has not returned. This is on top of the tens of thousands of dollars in lost income they face as a result of illness. The Institute of Health and Wealth, which traces the nations health spending, said medicines were the most costly item. Despite a national drug subsidy scheme, Australians spend $4.7 billion on medications in 2004-05, or $227 million per person.

Dental bills, glasses, hearing aids and ambulance costs are also hitting the family budget. Dental services cost an average $159 dollars. Failing eyesight and hearing left Australians spending $144 on spectacles, hearing aids and other medical appliances. Out-of-pocket expenses for this area of medical aids and appliances leapt a massive 23.9% in 2004-05 and has been growing at around 12.5% a year- four times the inflation rate. Ambulance costs jumped 9%. The figures show individuals were putting three times as much into the health system as private health funds, who contribute just $5.4 billion. The Access Economics study showed breast and prostrate cancer were the most expensive for patients because of ongoing medications and treatments.