Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Consumers would pay more for private health cover as a result of the Federal Government selling off Medibank Private, doctors and insurance specialists warned yesterday.
The warning from the Australian Medical Association and five experts on private health insurance, plus former high-ranking officials in government authorities echoed Labor concerns about the pending privatization of Australia's largest health fund.
But the Federal Government has constantly rejected the claim. In Question Time yesterday, Health Minister Tony Abbott said he had a lot of respect for the AMA but "respectfully disagree with them on this issue".
AMA president Dr Mukesh Haikerwal said the sale of Medibank Private will drive up premiums as the new proprietor sought to maximize returns to shareholders.
"There is also a chance of flow-on higher premiums across the whole private health sector because of reduced competition," he said.
posted by kanth
@ 1:44 AM
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