Federal Budget tonight....

[Floweryfields]

Hmmmm... I kind of understand the idea of reducing debt but sheesh people still have to live. I'm not impressed with the gp co payment. I don't think they realise how much $7 actually means to some people!

I'm confused, are there still GPs who bulk bill? I've had to pay $70 every time I go to the GP for a long time - I wish it was only $7! Unless you hold a HCC or other concession card you pay $70 and claim back your medicare rebate - so it still ends up costing $35 or more.

[AnyDream]

I'm confused, are there still GPs who bulk bill? I've had to pay $70 every time I go to the GP for a long time - I wish it was only $7! Unless you hold a HCC or other concession card you pay $70 and claim back your medicare rebate - so it still ends up costing $35 or more.

Yes, this. But apparently there are loads of bulk billing doctors around the place, and some of them are located in relatively wealthy areas too. The vast majority of consultations (numerically) are bulk billed. Often doctors charge everyone but bulk bill people with concession cards & for children. But people with concession cards (ie, elderly and those with disabilities & chronic health conditions and disabilities) are massive users of the medical system, so these people will be hit the hardest.

There was a quote in there by Joe Hockey about people needing to "take responsibility" for their health. As someone who has been through the cancer wringer, I wish I knew what kind of ****ing responsibility I needed to take to prevent all of the doctors visits involved in that.