Media Release

15 February 2017: Almost a year to the day, Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter has today again written to the Federal Health Minister asking him to intervene to halt the ever increasing cost of private health insurance premiums.

It has been reported that the Government plans to allow an average premium rise of 4.84% and seeing the top tier of family hospital cover increase to approximately $4500 annually.

“It is fast pricing private health insurance out of the reach of many Australians who want to take responsibility for their health and not rely on the Public Health system,” Mr Katter said.

“A semi-retired couple in my electorate are paying $560.00/month.

“Another single income family also in my electorate are paying $550.00/month, while a single person in their 30’s is paying $250 a month.

“The Average premium increases by Insurers has been over 42% since 2010. These increases are unsustainable for all demographics in our community – singles, families, pensioners and self-funded retirees.

“Many pensioners continue to hold on to their private health insurance, despite barely making ends meet. They feel it is important and their responsibility to maintain private health insurance, so they can choose when and where to undertake their treatment instead of being placed on waiting lists which can last for years.

“The anticipated $200 annual increase in premiums will impact those already struggling to make ends meet.

“Families too are struggling under the increased cost of living expenses, including the ever increasing cost of services (particularly electricity and NBN plans) and educating their children to tertiary levels.

“This latest increase comes at a time when there are employment losses due to a downturn in mining, QNI going into liquidation, small and medium sized businesses doing it tough and the North West slowly recovering from drought conditions.

“Minister we ask you to intervene,” Mr Katter said.

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