July2014_$7 co-payment for GP visits at least a year away
Metro North Brisbane Medicare Local is reminding members of the public that the proposed $7 co-payment to see a GP will not come into effect until at least 1 July 2015.
Medicare Local Board Chair Professor Claire Jackson said GPs were reporting confusion among patients, with some thinking the co-payment had already been introduced.
“We have been amazed by the attendance at two meetings held to discuss the impact of co-payment and other changes introduced in the budget,” Professor Jackson said.
“Well over a hundred doctors and practice staff members attended the meetings,” she said.
“At both meetings GPs told us that some patients thought the $7 co-payment had already been introduced, and many had concerns that patients with difficulty paying a co-payment may not seek necessary treatment.
“As part of our role in supporting GPs, we are clarifying that the $7 co-payment still needs to be approved by Parliament, and even then it will not be introduced until 1 July 2015,” Professor Jackson said.
The Medicare Local are working closely with the Australian Medical Association, Royal Australian College of General Practitioners and GP partners to ensure general practices in Brisbane and Moreton Bay remain able to meet the needs of our community.
Similarly, the Medicare Local is working in partnership with the Metro North Hospital and Health Service to minimise any impact to the hospital service from the introduction of the co-payment.
