The greatest change to Medicare in 40 years may result in funds being made available to nurses and paramedics.
The government’s Strengthening Medicare Taskforce will soon release a report that suggests modifying the existing financing scheme from solely subsidizing GP visits to also including care from nurses and paramedics.
Mark Butler, the minister of health, stated that the current system is no longer functional and suggested reforms in the May budget.
Mark Butler, the minister of health, stated that the current system is no longer functional and suggested reforms in the May budget.
Butler stated that “modernizing Medicare involves strengthening Medicare.”
“Patients are having a hard time locating doctors who bulk bill, and out-of-pocket costs are rising.
“Making more of the same won’t provide Australians with the high-quality healthcare they need. We must consider reform, Butler said.
Paramedics and nurses’ training and expertise, according to Health Services Union secretary Gerard Hayes, “are woefully under-utilized.”
We have very skilled professionals in the neighborhood who can help those who live there, according to Hayes.
“Universal healthcare will begin to disappear if we do not seize this chance to increase engagement.”
Anne Rushton, the shadow health minister, stated that she “strongly supports” initiatives that make it simpler for Australians to obtain basic care.
Some family physicians are ready to back the idea if a bigger investment is made.
Dr. Nicole Higgins, president of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, stated that the Medicare rebate “has not kept up with the expense of providing care.”
“All Medicare needs is better funding. Simply put, Dr. Sarah McLay of the local general practice remarked.
