Media Release

Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter has today written to the Federal Health Minister to intervene to halt the ever increasing cost of private health insurance premiums.

“Since 2010, the three largest funds have reportedly increased their prices by 49%, 52% and 46%. These increases are fast pricing private health insurance out of the reach of many Australians who do not want to rely on the Public Health system,” Mr Katter said.

Mr Katter has specifically pointed out the job losses in North Queensland and pensioners and families struggling to make ends meet, as key reasons the premium increases need to be halted.

“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.

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

“While the latest increases are lower than last year, the economic outlook, particularly in Queensland, is at a crisis level with employment losses due to a downturn in mining and drought conditions for the past few years over most of Western Queensland.