Health MedicareWell, could this be the beginning of the end of Medicare?I see even health economist Dr John Deeble, an architect of Medicare, believes Australia’s hospital funding model is unsustainable and that private health insurance needs to cover more of the cost of healthcareDr Deeble advised the Whitlam Government on Australia’s first universal health care scheme, Medibank, and then the Hawke Government on Medicare“The cost of hospital care will go on increasing” he said“The States will be reluctant to keep on spending what’s necessary to keep the hospital system going“The Commonwealth will probably assist them by increasing subsidies to private health”That, of course, is the exact opposite of what this Government has doneIt has passed legislation to means test the 30% private health insurance rebateDr Deeble also argued that private health insurance must be comprehensive“It’s got to be made comprehensive and stay comprehensive” he saidIn other words, it should be able to cover all medical costs including so-called “gap” chargesYesterday’s Grattan Institute analysis of Government revenue and expenditure predicts health expenditure will be the biggest contributor to a blowout in State and Federal budget deficits by 2023We as individuals have to take greater responsibility for funding our own healthcareThere is no reason why I should receive free healthcareAnd it sounds as if even a key architect of Medicare is finally coming around to that view

The Alan Jones Breakfast show: Highlights

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