Ok, I wrote one too...does it sound ok? I'm suffering from a huge lack of sleep at the moment..
Mr Trevor,
I belong to an online community that are writing to their local members about the possibility of the Medicare Safety Net becoming means tested, and how it would impact on couples who need IVF to help fullfil their dreams of a family. I like many other IVF mums, and mums to be, am quite concerned that this is on the table for discussion in parliament.
I live in *******, and 2 years ago was informed that I was suffering from secondary infertility. We had to travel the 200klms to ******* to see our Fertility Specialist, who was part of a clinic in Brisbane. We travelled to Brisbane for our first (and thankfully succesfull) IVF procedure.
If it were not for the Medicare Safety Net, our IVF cycle would have been out of reach for us for quite awhile, and I would now not be looking at my beautiful baby boy.
There are so many couples out there who, unfortunately are not successful first go. The financial cost to them is even greater,having to have multiple treatments, and will be more so, if we allow the Medicare Safety Net to become means tested.
Living in a 'country' area, I am sure you know, means we have to travel for many medical services. The government means testing the Safety Net, would mean more of a financial hardship for people such as myself who needed the services of assisted conception and don't live near the 'big smoke', so need to travel, and that's not to mention the added cost of medication.
Please, please,please, make sure that IVF does not become out of reach to so many more people than it already is by means testing the Safety Net.
We must NOT discriminate against infertility!
I just called my clinic to speak to someone who liaises with the government. This is absolutely true and she believes they will actually be discussing this in Parliament next week (and possibly deciding it next week as well). I can't believe how "under the radar" this is - and it's just so devastating.
Thanks for taking this up Julie it's really devastating, We will spend about $15,000 on IVF and associated costs this financial year and that's WITH the safety net. Have emailed Nicola Roxon and Anthony Albanese - it would be good if BellyBelly could send an email to all their member to take up this course - does anyone know who/how we could ask for that?
Sara - I've raised that - I believe BellyBelly is looking into it.
I don't usually write letters - but this is just shocking. Also, it seems that anything is on the table. According to the woman I spoke to at the clinic - it may be a means tested safety net OR a decision that IVF just won't be covered! Either way - really bad. But it does mean that no one may be exempt - thus even if one doesn't think they'd ever be above the safety net threshold, there may still be reason to worry!
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