[ozmidwifery] Private Health Insurance and Midwifery

[Justine Caines]

Title: Private Health Insurance and Midwifery

Dear Sue and all

I sent this message earlier today and  have not received it myself, so am resending.

JC

Dear wonderful midwives and women

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

In order to make 2006 the year of the midwife I think we need to take every opportunity. Please Call talk back radio and write letters to your local papers wherever you are re the following. Please forward to anyone you know who is willing to write/call.

A few days ago it was announced that the private health insurance (PHI) industry will put a submission to Government to again increase their fees.  This will make it around 5 price hikes in as many years. If enough people respond publicly considering this issue has been recently raised it should be quite effective.

 So what was the industry saying

That the price hike is simply to cover costs (and that the industry is trying it’s best!!)

The Minister’s Office made same lame comment about “looking at the submission” but not just granting an increase for nothing! (I’d say they will!!)

But what never comes out in the media is that there are HUGE cost savings if the Gov was to assist PHI not to be TOTALLY anti-competitive.

Points to make (which I know you already know!!)

*There are more babies born each year than any other health procedure.  

*In private health insurance there is absolutely no competition, it is totally medically dominated.  

*It is also an area that is crippling health funds (so much so that smaller funds actually tell you which Obstetrician you can see as they can only afford some).  

*Some  funds are looking at providing a midwifery benefit (as they recognise the huge cost saving) but where is the Government support??  Still no assistance with insurance.  

With insurance all funds could offer choice (that would also double as a HUGE cost saver).  Importantly it would also make PHI a viable option for rural consumers (currently as most rural areas do not have private Obs or even Obs there is no point joining up).  This shows what a giant waste of money PHI is in its current form.

If you are a private health insurance member please consider a quick complaint to the Private Health Insurance Obudsman.

His details are Mr John Powlay and this is from their site www.phio.org.au

You can raise a complaint with us by phone, email, fax or letter.


Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]

Private Health Insurance Ombudsman
 Level 7, 362 Kent Street
 SYDNEY NSW 2000
 Complaints Hotline:1800 640 695

Telephone: (02) 8235 8777
 Facsimile: (02) 8235 8778

In solidarity

Justine