Mount Druitt Medicare Forum Invitation by Ed Husic, Federal Member For Chifley!

I have received an e-mail from the Federal Member of Chifley, Hon. Mr Ed Husic, invitation to the community for a Medicare Forum.

I treat health issues as I need and require the health service from Doctors, Dentists and Specialists. Mostly I do it on a need be basis - sometimes I hear people going on a possible need basis.

As I am a worker I do pay Medicare Levy and if I had a more comfortable income, I would provide payments to a private health fund. That is my choice! A lot of people in Mount Druitt cannot afford to pay into a private fund to get that needed extra quality of service, hospital accommodation and  obtain urgent required surgery.

So extra costs that will commence as from 1st July 2015 GP Tax of $7.00 per visit and this may hurt the pockets of families in Mount Druitt.

I do understand that Australian Medicare Levies may not cover the true overall cost of health that is charged by hospitals, doctors and  specialists, within Australia.

Here is the Invitation from Ed Husic:
 

INVITE TO

MEDICARE FORUM

Since coming into office the Abbott Government has moved to extract nearly $20 million in healthcare from the Chifley electorate. On top of cutting the $6.5 million dedicated to installing a new MRI machine at Mt Druitt, the Government is cutting $10.2 million out of the pockets of Chifley residents who need quality healthcare.

Chifley has the highest bulk billing rate in the nation at 99%. GPs are aware families in the electorate would struggle without the bulk billing service. Figures drawn from Medicare data reveal nine out 10 that will be hardest hit by the GP Tax are from Sydney and sadly Chifley is at the top of the list.

Although the $7 GP Tax does not come into force until 1 July 2015, medical centres are already reporting a marked drop in patient visits.

I am very concerned that people needing medical attention are staying away from their doctor and risking their health. I am also worried that healthcare will not only become less affordable – but it may become less accessible.

I would like to invite you to a community forum to further discuss the impacts of the GP Tax and the changes in Medicare. Details are as follows:

When: Tuesday 29 July - 4:00pm

Where: Mt Druitt Hub, Ayres Grove Mt Druitt NSW 2770

RSVP: Monday 28 July on 9625 4344 or news@edhusic.com

I hope to see you there.

Yours sincerely,

The Hon Ed Husic MP
Federal Member for Chifley