Would you like to see private midwives claimable through Medicare?

[BellyBelly]

This has been an issue going for years, midwives trying to get provider numbers from Medicare so consumers can claim. You get health benefits for all sorts of professions, GP's, chiropractors, naturopaths etc... but not midwives. We all think this is pretty unfair. What are your thoughts?

The ACMI (Australian College of Midwives) have tried every now and again, but I truly think nothing will happen until consumers demand it.

[mumofbundlezofjoy]

Yes Yes Yes I had my most successful births through midwife programs, and I believe it would be the best thing ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[simone]

I would like the choice for women in general, as having your own m/w is becoming an increasingly more popular choice i've noticed, but some woman have to say no because the cost is just too high...

I probably wouldnt though, as like caro, i wont be having anymore. (I dont think i go go through what i went through to have Anneliese again...)

[BellyBelly]

I wouldnt say the price is too high because midwives need to feed their families too. But what I would say is that there is no government, health fund or medicare subsidies for it. You can get your usual obstetric care subsidised, but what about low tech midwifery care? Why can't they have insurance? Bah.

[simone]

I dont mean the price is too high like that kel i meant for some the price is a little out of reach (i know i couldnt afford it) but if it was on medicare, knowing i would be able to get some back would've helped. Im not saying what m/w's charge is unreasonable, because its not. Its just a little too much for some to pay IYKWIM?

[{sarah}]

I think it's a great idea, it will definitely make the private midwife option accessible to more people IMO.

[Cherie]

Absolutely I think so! Especially if they could provide home-birthing services.

Don't give up hope Kelly - for a long time, private allied health services (e.g. physio, speech, OT) were never funded through Medicare either - it's only been in the last few years that they are (and only a maximum of 5 visits per year for all allied health combined, and only if you have a chronic disease or are over 85yrs old) but still ... it has to start somewhere. I think in the long term, funding bodies will realise that they can obtain the same (or better) outcomes, for cheaper than usual obstetric care, and the dollars might drive the policy change.

[simone]

one again, crap with wording...fixed it up fro you caro. you're very perceptive!

[BellyBelly]

Yeah thats what my teacher said Cherie - she estimates 3-4 years and it will be the health funds that work out they are paying big bucks for skyrocketing intervention which is not needed. Its in their best interest and they have the $ and power to do it.

[Trish]

I think it would be a great idea. It would have been fantastic to get some of the money back I spend out on my IM. Not that she wasn't worth every cent of it, but still if the government is going to give us some back I would be all for it.

Plus it also makes the idea of a IM alot more accessible to more people. It's not a luxury item, a IM is a neccessity

[Fi]

Great idea!
Midwife care rocks!! IN Geelong they are about to go to a new system in the family birthing unit very similar to IM care. You get your midwife assigned to you from the beginning, and they are the only person you see through the whole pregnancy. They will see you in your home, at hossy, whereever,and you can just call themindividually when you need a hand.
Then you have the baby in hospital - but still, at least the pregnancy is more under your control.
I would love to have a IM if I have another baby, but wouldn't doitunless it was subsidised.

[Pandora]

My health fund cover private midwifery, but only if you have a selected cover, which I worked out would cost me about $3200 annually. With the 12 months waiting, it's be cheaper for me just to take the oop expenses (well for homebrith itd be cheaper that way, for me)