THE Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has urged the Federal Government to lower Medicare Safety Net thresholds to help more vulnerable Australians access essential GP care.
In a submission to the Department of Health's Medicare Safety Net Reform Working Group, RACGP stated that high thresholds prevent many low-income individuals from benefitting.
RACGP President Dr Nicole Higgins emphasised that current Safety Net policies overlook those unable to afford the upfront cost of GP visits.
"The most vulnerable Australians are being left behind," she said, noting that a recent poll found 66% agree thresholds are too high.
Lowering these thresholds, Dr Higgins argued, would relieve financial strain, especially for patients with chronic conditions, helping them avoid hospital visits and maintain better health.
She also called for increased Medicare rebates for longer consultations, pointing out they haven't kept pace with inflation.
"General practice care must be affordable for everyone," Dr Higgins said, affirming the RACGP's commitment to collaborating with the government to make healthcare more accessible.
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