The city paying more for Medicare than any other
It’s been revealed more than half of Australia’s population have to pay money on top of Medicare to settle medical bills.
The report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare details almost 11 million Aussies are being forced to pay $142 a year.
Sydney residents are also the hardest hit.
Nationally, people pay an average gap of $64 a visit.
But North Sydney residents pay $87, Central and Eastern Sydneysiders $81 and Western Sydney $70.
Critics say it’s proof Medicare isn’t working.
Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association CEO Alison Verhoeven said the data shows things are worsening, not improving.
“It shouldn’t matter where you live in Australia whether or not you can afford health care,” she said.
The report also found 1.3 million Australians either put off or completely cancel their visits to the doctor because they can’t afford it.
But the government claims bulk billing figures are at record highs at 86 per cent.
Minister for Health Greg Hunt said the bulk billing levels “mean people are paying nothing”.
