It seems that they may be dropping the safety net for some services. With the safety net once you reach a certain amount of out of pocket you get back 80% (I think). Which makes a massive difference.
We just had our first child (thru IVF) 3 months ago. Even with the safety net and private health cover it still cost heaps. I had an emergency cs and am still paying for it because the Drs charge so much over the scheduled fee. I didn't even get half .. and of the assistant surgeons bill alone which was $600 - I got back $28.80 .. go figure??? The Anaesthetist was $1595 of which $500 was an after hrs fee - I got back $462.00. We did benefit from the safety net but as you can see we have spent thousands for IVF and my pregnancy (which was a difficult one due to health issues - had a Physician and an Obstetrician - mum was a mess but bubs was fine). I also had to pay my Obs $3000 for part of the pregnancy and the delivery - which he didn't attend anyway and I hope it went to his fill in - let alone the $1300 we also had to pay beforehand for the same thing and then at min. $80.00 per consultation - each visit to my Physician was $95 - I was at one Dr at least every week let alone tests etc. - so you can see how expensive this can be.
Having said all of this we hope to try for number 2 later this year (thru IVF) but I just don't know how we will be able to afford it even with the safety net.
Having bubs is just so precious the Rudd Govt shouldn't mess with us like this!! It was also pointed out to me that it was a pre-election promise that they would not change the safety net. They are talking about bringing in paid Mat leave - I believe that we are the only OECD country not to have it ... so they are going to rob Peter to pay Paul ..... NOT FAIR!! IVF and having babies is not just for those with deep pockets .... its for real people!
Bookmarks