Scrap the scams that are the Medicare Levy Surcharge and the Lifetime Health Cover loading. They're nothing but government-permitted extortion on behalf of private companies. Scrap them, and add mental and dental to Medicare.

[–] YeahToast@aussie.zone 12 points 4 weeks ago (1 children)

The "lifetime health cover loading" is a scam and is disingenuous, I believe it's only loaded for 10 years. I'm personally ok with the Medicare levy, id rather pay that than pay for private health insurance.

[–] Zagorath@aussie.zone 1 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

The problem with the Medicare Levy is that you can get out of paying for it if you pay for private health insurance. Being able to do that just sucks money out of the Medicare system. It should be for everyone or (even better) no one (and just pay for Medicare out of general taxation).

[–] YeahToast@aussie.zone 2 points 2 weeks ago

Well, strictly speaking the Medicare levy everyone pays (2% of their income). The medicare levy surcharge is for high income earners without private health. I agree, private is a ridiculous model.

[–] prex@aussie.zone 9 points 4 weeks ago* (last edited 4 weeks ago) (2 children)

+1
Medicare is means tested. I see no reason for a health insurance industry.
Edit: I meant the medicare levy. I think its based of income though so there could be some improvement there.

[–] Zagorath@aussie.zone 9 points 4 weeks ago

Medicare is means tested

No it's not? That's the whole point of it. It's universal. What Medicare covers, it covers for everyone. And that "what it covers" should be expanded greatly.

All reasonably medically necessary healthcare should be covered, for a very broad definition of "necessary". If it's purely cosmetic, no, but if it relates to real pain or quality of life, it should be covered. The Lasik I got a decade ago is not necessary and I'm fine with it not being covered, but the X-rays, ultrasound, and MRI on my foot due to injury that prevented me from being able to run or walk too briskly without pain were, and should have been covered. (They actually were covered, but at the time I was told it was a temporary thing brought in because of COVID, and would not normally have been.) So should yearly (if not twice-yearly) dental checkups and any procedures arising from that.

[–] Mantzy81@aussie.zone 4 points 4 weeks ago

It's not means tested at all, it is however means funded if that's what you were meaning

[–] SaneMartigan@aussie.zone 22 points 4 weeks ago

It's always been time to scrap private health cover. Disgusting that it was ever introduced.

[–] hanrahan@slrpnk.net 7 points 4 weeks ago

Yes

[–] Salvo@aussie.zone 4 points 4 weeks ago (1 children)

The only redeeming aspect of Private Health insurance is that it is a big employer.

Australia does not have any more primary or secondary industry any more. Closing down the Private Health Insurance Companies will make a helluva lot of people unemployed.

That said; these roles are just a leech on the community, without actually generating anything that benefits our society.

[–] notgold@aussie.zone 4 points 3 weeks ago

I'm sure many of the roles would move to the public system if there was a mass exodus.
Most people get private insurance because it's useful and not for the tax dodge so they won't cancel if the tax incentive is removed. /s

[–] 0ddysseus@lemmy.world 1 points 4 weeks ago

Yes