Peter Costello has now sunk the boot in.  This policy is finished.  PUP will not support it and now Mr Hokeidonian is being lectured by his LNP predecessor, the financial idol of the right.

(The Link is from The Australian.....and their story is taken from Costello's appearance on Bolt's show of today.  A live link is not possible given Murdoch's demand that we pay to read/link his on-line 'papers.')


Quote:

JOE Hockey has been urged to reboot his budget and scrap the unpopular $7 GP co-payment, with former Liberal treasurer Peter Costello saying governments have to cut their losses. THE treasurer is struggling to convince crossbenchers to back his budget, with key measures such as the Medicare co-payment and welfare changes facing defeat. Mr Costello said the coalition should "reboot the whole argument" by bringing forward the next intergenerational report, which highlights long-term pressures on government spending. It should also dump measures unlikely to pass the Senate, he said. "Sooner or later you have to cut losses," he told the Ten Network on Sunday. "The $7 co-payment ... it's just not going to happen, so let's move on." Mr Costello also rebuked his former colleague for complaining that business had not adequately backed his budget. "There is no point blaming business ... he's got to get it through, it's his responsibility," he said.

Poor old Joe Hokeidonian, loved by no-one these days, and now, it seems, about to be thrown to the wolves.

Peter Costello was a great treasurer and knew how to negotiate and compromise where as Hockey is an arrogant dipstick hell bent on forcing the poor, the old and the sick to pay through the nose while pandering to wealthy tax dodgers.

adelcrow wrote on Aug 10^th, 2014 at 5:37pm:

Peter Costello was a great treasurer

Finally something I can agree with....

Swagman wrote on Aug 10^th, 2014 at 5:52pm:

adelcrow wrote on Aug 10th, 2014 at 5:37pm: Peter Costello was a great treasurer Finally something I can agree with....

Jolly good.  Do you agree with Costello that Mr Hokeidonian must abandon the medical co-payment as a matter of political pragmatism?

Sounds to me Abbort should do a reshuffle!!

The idiot brigade is becoming more obvious to the even the "once in three years followers of politics"

HELP, Mr Abbott your Medical Co- Payment is making us sick.  We don't want your doctor tax.      :(    

Aussie wrote on Aug 10^th, 2014 at 6:21pm:

Swagman wrote on Aug 10th, 2014 at 5:52pm: adelcrow wrote on Aug 10th, 2014 at 5:37pm: Peter Costello was a great treasurer Finally something I can agree with.... Jolly good.  Do you agree with Costello that Mr Hokeidonian must abandon the medical co-payment as a matter of political pragmatism?

I would agree that sometimes you just have to pander to the ochlocrats

Swagman wrote on Aug 10^th, 2014 at 7:04pm:

Aussie wrote on Aug 10th, 2014 at 6:21pm: Swagman wrote on Aug 10th, 2014 at 5:52pm: adelcrow wrote on Aug 10th, 2014 at 5:37pm: Peter Costello was a great treasurer Finally something I can agree with.... Jolly good.  Do you agree with Costello that Mr Hokeidonian must abandon the medical co-payment as a matter of political pragmatism? I would agree that sometimes you just have to pander to the ochlocrats

Is that a 'yes', that the co-payment ought be ditched, or are you not yet convinced.   Also, what is an ochlocrat in this context?  Costello is not part of a 'mob.'

Aussie wrote on Aug 10^th, 2014 at 7:10pm:

Is that a 'yes', that the co-payment ought be ditched, or are you not yet convinced

Convinced? No.  I agree with the policy.  This country needs a hell of a lot more user pays and fees for service not less.

Yes, why not keep the Co- Payment, and then pay for it at the ballot box.  See you on election day Mr Abbott.      ;D

Swagman wrote on Aug 10^th, 2014 at 7:18pm:

Aussie wrote on Aug 10th, 2014 at 7:10pm: Is that a 'yes', that the co-payment ought be ditched, or are you not yet convinced Convinced? No.  I agree with the policy.  This country needs a hell of a lot more user pays and fees for service not less.

So - every time some user uses us to get into politics for personal gain, or some user uses every rort available to get rich by starving innocent children and the poor... they should pay?

Finallyt, something I can agree with you on.

Swagman wrote on Aug 10^th, 2014 at 7:18pm:

Aussie wrote on Aug 10th, 2014 at 7:10pm: Is that a 'yes', that the co-payment ought be ditched, or are you not yet convinced Convinced? No.  I agree with the policy.  This country needs a hell of a lot more user pays and fees for service not less.

Yet Abbott has vowed to remove the means test on the private health insurance rebate.....Abbott has not done it yet so will this be another broken promise.....I find it disgusting that Abbott would charge the poor and disadvantaged to see a doctor whilst returning taxpayers money to the well off to subsidise their health care.....Apparently health is only sustainable for Abbott and Hockey when it is the rich who benefit....Go figure???

:-? :-? :-?

An excellent article from Dr Peter Sivey, a senior lecturer in the School of Economics at La Trobe University.....

http://www.latrobe.edu.au/news/articles/2014/opinion/private-health-shouldnt-be-subsidised

Swagman wrote on Aug 10^th, 2014 at 7:18pm:

Aussie wrote on Aug 10th, 2014 at 7:10pm: Is that a 'yes', that the co-payment ought be ditched, or are you not yet convinced Convinced? No.  I agree with the policy.  This country needs a hell of a lot more user pays and fees for service not less.

Good for the richer, crappy for everyone else.

Kytro wrote on Aug 11^th, 2014 at 3:33am:

Swagman wrote on Aug 10th, 2014 at 7:18pm: Aussie wrote on Aug 10th, 2014 at 7:10pm: Is that a 'yes', that the co-payment ought be ditched, or are you not yet convinced Convinced? No.  I agree with the policy.  This country needs a hell of a lot more user pays and fees for service not less. Good for the richer, crappy for everyone else.

Doctor surgeries are not golf clubs nor leisure resorts, they are attended by the sick.

The LNP putting the boot into the sick is something the sicko pome and his arse sniffers feel proud of, but no Australian does!

Pensioners face $130 medical hit

    The Australian
    August 11, 2014



PENSIONERS could be hit with an out-of-pocket rise in their healthcare costs of more than $130 under the government’s budget measures — the impact of the $7 GP co-payment and the increase in the cost of medicines.      :(

Labor has seized on modelling released under Freedom of Information laws by Treasury, which details how pensioners and families will be affected by the budget changes. Co-payments under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme would increase for general ­patients by $5 in 2015, and for concessional patients by $0.80.

The modelling refers to age pensioner “Joyce”, who purchases 80 medicines a year listed with the PBS. She pays $6.10 for 60 PBS medicines before reaching the safety net under current arrangements, then receives the last 20 medicines for free.

But if the government’s increase to the PBS is legislated, she would pay $6.90 for 62 PBS medicines before reaching the safety net, receiving the last 18 for free.

“Joyce will pay $61.80 more in 2015 for her medicines,” the document states.

When the $7 GP co-payment is added — capped at 10 visits a year — Joyce would pay a total of $131.80 for her healthcare costs.

The analysis — which has been publicly available since the budget but released again last week after an FOI request — also reveals that “Joyce” would pay $114 more than she currently does for medicines by 2018.

Opposition health spokeswoman Catherine King said the modelling was “proof” Joe Hockey had deceived voters.

“This exposes Joe Hockey’s deceit on how his budget would hurt pensioners. He knew, but hid this from pensioners,” Ms King said. “For pensioners, every dollar counts. This is a very big hit to their standard of living.”      :(

Senate crossbenchers John Madigan and Nick Xenophon said the double hit to pensioners was unfair and did not accurately reflect the long-term costs.

“Not only do I think it’s unfair but I think it’s understated,” Senator Xenophon said. “The real cost on the system will be more people getting sicker because the co-­payments will dissuade them from going to the doctor. I’m calling for fresh modelling to look at the true costs of this.”      ;)

Senator Madigan continued the assault on the budget, revealing that the Treasurer had told him he was “one of the most disliked” Australians.

“(Joe Hockey) said that he’s one of the most disliked, hated people in the country with the budget he’s got to bring down,” he said on ABC’s Insiders.

“I’ve got empathy for him (but) I wonder how much empathy he’s got for those people who are going to be hit hard by this budget.”      >:(

His comments came as former treasurer Peter Costello urged the government to scrap the GP co-payment.

“The $7 co-payment is not going to go through. It’s just not going to happen. So let’s move on. I think they have to reboot the whole argument,” he told the Ten Network.

A Treasury spokesman said the 2014 budget would take steps to put health spending growth “on a sustainable path”.

“In terms of the impact of the increased PBS contribution and the Medicare co-payment, we were completely upfront in the budget documents,” the spokesman said. “While continuing to support the most vulnerable in the community, government spending must be targeted to those most in need.”

Ed      :(

I agree with Peter Costello.  The government would be wise to drop the $7 co-payment altogether.  Surely there are some creative minds that could look at the facts and devise a more fair and equitable proposal for putting health spending "on a sustainable path".  Let it go!

Bob      :(

Hockey, Brandis and Corman, doing their best to get the Labor Party elected.

Brian      :(

That is, if there are any pensioners left on full or part pensions.  I am on a work contract which ends in 10 days, yet was cut off the age pension early July.  What am I supposed to do under this stupid government's 'end of entitlement' polices?  According to Centrelink staff, who looked embarrassed about the whole thing and who I do not blame for enacting the policies, I can "simply reapply".  Yeah, sure.  When was anything ever 'simple' in obtaining Centrelink benefits?  By the way, I had to go into Centrelink to find out what had happened to my part age pension.  No online letter has been received, explaining what has happened. 

I am beginning to despise this Federal Govt and their attitudes to pensioners.  They are happy to contemplate spending $5.5 Billion dollars on the PPL - but are causing untold hardship to pensioners who are trying to do the right thing and trying to do their bit.  I will get my revenge at the ballot box, Hockey.

Glen      :(

@Brian  I'd be interested to know what policy the current government put into force that effect you now?

Alan      :(

What J Hockey telling furphies!Unbelievable.Lets hope the X bench hold their nerve and return this part of the budget plus other parts back to Hockey.Question is will he take note!

wrote on Aug 11^th, 2014 at 6:51am:

Pensioners face $130 medical hit     The Australian     August 11, 2014 PENSIONERS could be hit with an out-of-pocket rise in their healthcare costs of more than $130 under the government’s budget measures — the impact of the $7 GP co-payment and the increase in the cost of medicines.      :( Labor has seized on modelling released under Freedom of Information laws by Treasury, which details how pensioners and families will be affected by the budget changes. Co-payments under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme would increase for general ­patients by $5 in 2015, and for concessional patients by $0.80. The modelling refers to age pensioner “Joyce”, who purchases 80 medicines a year listed with the PBS. She pays $6.10 for 60 PBS medicines before reaching the safety net under current arrangements, then receives the last 20 medicines for free. But if the government’s increase to the PBS is legislated, she would pay $6.90 for 62 PBS medicines before reaching the safety net, receiving the last 18 for free. “Joyce will pay $61.80 more in 2015 for her medicines,” the document states. When the $7 GP co-payment is added — capped at 10 visits a year — Joyce would pay a total of $131.80 for her healthcare costs. The analysis — which has been publicly available since the budget but released again last week after an FOI request — also reveals that “Joyce” would pay $114 more than she currently does for medicines by 2018. Opposition health spokeswoman Catherine King said the modelling was “proof” Joe Hockey had deceived voters. “This exposes Joe Hockey’s deceit on how his budget would hurt pensioners. He knew, but hid this from pensioners,” Ms King said. “For pensioners, every dollar counts. This is a very big hit to their standard of living.”      :( Senate crossbenchers John Madigan and Nick Xenophon said the double hit to pensioners was unfair and did not accurately reflect the long-term costs. “Not only do I think it’s unfair but I think it’s understated,” Senator Xenophon said. “The real cost on the system will be more people getting sicker because the co-­payments will dissuade them from going to the doctor. I’m calling for fresh modelling to look at the true costs of this.”      ;) Senator Madigan continued the assault on the budget, revealing that the Treasurer had told him he was “one of the most disliked” Australians. “(Joe Hockey) said that he’s one of the most disliked, hated people in the country with the budget he’s got to bring down,” he said on ABC’s Insiders. “I’ve got empathy for him (but) I wonder how much empathy he’s got for those people who are going to be hit hard by this budget.”      >:( His comments came as former treasurer Peter Costello urged the government to scrap the GP co-payment. “The $7 co-payment is not going to go through. It’s just not going to happen. So let’s move on. I think they have to reboot the whole argument,” he told the Ten Network. A Treasury spokesman said the 2014 budget would take steps to put health spending growth “on a sustainable path”. “In terms of the impact of the increased PBS contribution and the Medicare co-payment, we were completely upfront in the budget documents,” the spokesman said. “While continuing to support the most vulnerable in the community, government spending must be targeted to those most in need.”

What sort of bullshit is that!

philperth2010 wrote on Aug 10^th, 2014 at 10:59pm:

Swagman wrote on Aug 10th, 2014 at 7:18pm: Aussie wrote on Aug 10th, 2014 at 7:10pm: Is that a 'yes', that the co-payment ought be ditched, or are you not yet convinced Convinced? No.  I agree with the policy.  This country needs a hell of a lot more user pays and fees for service not less. Yet Abbott has vowed to remove the means test on the private health insurance rebate.....Abbott has not done it yet so will this be another broken promise.....I find it disgusting that Abbott would charge the poor and disadvantaged to see a doctor whilst returning taxpayers money to the well off to subsidise their health care.....Apparently health is only sustainable for Abbott and Hockey when it is the rich who benefit....Go figure??? :-? :-? :-? An excellent article from Dr Peter Sivey, a senior lecturer in the School of Economics at La Trobe University..... http://www.latrobe.edu.au/news/articles/2014/opinion/private-health-shouldnt-be-subsidised

The co-payment is no different to paying a fare to catch a bus or a train or to get power to your home.

Reading Dr Pete's article he seems amazed that Medicare was footing the bill for his MRI?

So what?  He pays his Medicare levy PLUS a premium to his private health insurance company?  :-?

Just because you pay private insurance doesn't mean you are not entitled to your medicare benefit.  At least he pays the levy and being such a high level public servant he likely pays big dollars to the Govt for medicare.

Budget Fail = Re-do.  Accept that it has failed and move on.  Come back when you have a genuine offer to put on the table.

Grappler Deep State Feller wrote on Aug 11^th, 2014 at 12:08pm:

Budget Fail = Re-do.  Accept that it has failed and move on.  Come back when you have a genuine offer to put on the table.

Popularism trumps common sense.

Forget about the budget bottom line.  Roll out the $40 Billion infrastructure projects (assuming the Senate allows that) and blame the debt on the obstructionist and unrepresentative swill that is the Senate.

Spend the money and let Labor (or PUP) worry about it in 2 years time.

Swagman wrote on Aug 11^th, 2014 at 12:13pm:

Grappler Deep State Feller wrote on Aug 11th, 2014 at 12:08pm: Budget Fail = Re-do.  Accept that it has failed and move on.  Come back when you have a genuine offer to put on the table. Popularism trumps common sense. Forget about the budget bottom line.  Roll out the $40 Billion infrastructure projects (assuming the Senate allows that) and blame the debt on the obstructionist and unrepresentative swill that is the Senate. Spend the money and let Labor (or PUP) worry about it in 2 years time.

What budget emergency?

The one in your blind spot.... the one all economists regardless of what they call it admit exists.

the problem with the co payment is that you would always have to exempt the poor, the elderly and those on drugs and with mental health issues.
and the above groups probably make up 80 % of GP visits.

so just dumb policy by a guy whose finger isnt on the pulse.  just ring me Joe, i'll see you true.

Hockey is the worlds worst salesman, no doubt about that. this is what happens when a conservative government  doesnt have business people in parliament. any businessman with a knowledge of customer satisfaction would have looked at medicare which has enormous customer approval and said "there is no way i'm going there"

the way to tackle excessive costs in the health budget is simple. remove the medicare rebates for a lot of the new technologies and super expensive new drugs.
you dont really need a $1000 MRI every time you sprain your ankle. i think buddy franklins had 3 this year.  do a $20 xray.

and you dont need a $80,000 course of chemo for breast cancer if its going to prolong your life from 6 months to 7 months. just man up (or woman up in this case) and say that $80,000 would be better put towards my kids HECS bill

Just put a freeze on increases to centrelink payments for a couple of years.  Probably save more anyway...

Swagman wrote on Aug 11^th, 2014 at 1:20pm:

Just put a freeze on increases to centrelink payments for a couple of years.  Probably save more anyway...

Newstart has been basically frozen for years, people on it are waaaaaay behind the eight-ball.

Grendel wrote on Aug 11^th, 2014 at 1:21pm:

Swagman wrote on Aug 11th, 2014 at 1:20pm: Just put a freeze on increases to centrelink payments for a couple of years.  Probably save more anyway... Newstart has been basically frozen for years, people on it are waaaaaay behind the eight-ball.

Well that's a good reason to get a job and pay some tax

Swagman wrote on Aug 11^th, 2014 at 1:28pm:

Grendel wrote on Aug 11th, 2014 at 1:21pm: Swagman wrote on Aug 11th, 2014 at 1:20pm: Just put a freeze on increases to centrelink payments for a couple of years.  Probably save more anyway... Newstart has been basically frozen for years, people on it are waaaaaay behind the eight-ball. Well that's a good reason to get a job and pay some tax

You know you are a complete idiot on this.
Take me for an example and when I was unemployed and went to centrelink...
Most people there were my age or older.
They had all worked all their lives.
Therefore they had paid taxes all their lives you idiot.
My share alone would suffice to see me on Newstart, (the piddling sum that it is), for well over 80 years before we get anywhere near breaking even.
I suggest YOU wake up to yourself on this.