Strengthening Medicare expected to improve wellbeing and ease costs for older Australians

The recent announcement from both Labor and the Coalition to invest billions of dollars in Medicare is expected to improve the wellbeing of older Australians while easing cost of living pressures.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese recently outlined Labor’s plan to invest $8.5 billion in expanding bulk billing and training programs for GPs and nurses, emphasising the importance of ensuring that healthcare remains accessible to all Australians, particularly those in need.

Albanese said his government wants nine out of 10 visits to the GP to be free by the end of the decade.

“That’s an ambitious goal but people deserve ambition from their government on Medicare,” he said.

“Because just as every Australian wants the best possible health care for their family, our government wants the best possible health care for every Australian.

“If the Australian people entrust our Labor government with a second term, a single, straightforward objective will be the foundation of our health policy.”

In response to Labor’s pledge, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton and health spokeswoman Anne Ruston announced the Coalition’s own “historic” $9 billion plan.

“By absolutely every measure, the Albanese government has failed Australians on health,” Senator Ruston said on Sunday, February 23.

“Every Australian knows that it’s harder and more expensive to see a GP.”

For many Australians struggling with fewer GPs offering bulk-billing, the news has been a welcome relief—particularly for older Australians, according to Patricia Sparrow, CEO of COTA Australia, the leading advocacy organisation for older people.

“Anything that eases the cost of living pressures facing Australians is welcome,” Sparrow said.

“The fact that both major parties have committed to ensuring the future of Medicare is incredibly important.

“For too long we’ve been in a situation where many Australians over the age of 50, and indeed Australians of all ages, have been forced to think twice about whether they can afford to go and see a doctor.

“Whether or not you can see a doctor shouldn’t depend on how much money you have in your bank account.

“This is a common-sense reform that will hopefully improve the wellbeing of older Australians while also helping to ease some of the cost of living pressures people are facing.”

While welcoming the Medicare reforms, Sparrow stressed that the next step should be the introduction of a Seniors Dental Benefit Scheme.

“We need to see both the Federal Government and the Opposition support the introduction of a Seniors Dental Benefit Scheme. Too many older Australians are missing out on crucial oral and dental care because they simply can’t afford it,” she said.

“Good oral health is vital for maintaining good overall health, and the risks of not getting the care people need can be incredibly serious – even life-threatening in some extreme cases.

“But the unfortunate reality is too many older people can’t afford the oral care they need. That needs to change and a Seniors Dental Benefit Scheme is crucial to ensuring that.

“Making sure all Australians, including older Australians, get access to the quality, affordable health and dental care they need will keep them healthier for longer – decreasing the burden on our public health care system and freeing it up for those who need it most.”