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The Pope said what? Vanity out, service in
We ought to believe in our boys’ capacity for growth in virtue - Pages 10-11
Pope Francis follows his own advice and speaks openly to an audience of seminarians - Page 15
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Fremantle plays heavenly host to Fatima celebrations
Hundreds took to the streets of Fremantle, last Tuesday night, to celebrate Our Lady’s appearance to three shepherd children in Fatima, Portugal. Full story - page 9.
PHOTO: MATHEW DE SOUSA
Keep a watch on government’s co-payment: CHA HEALTH care co-payments announced in Tuesday’s 2014-15 Federal Budget should be monitored to ensure they do not result in adverse health outcomes for disadvantaged Australians. Catholic Health Australia, representing the nation’s largest network of public and private not-for-profit hospitals, said ongoing monitoring of the new $7 health care co-payments for GP visits, pathology and diagnostic imaging will help avoid a drop in health care outcomes. “Those with capacity to contrib-
ute to their health care costs should do so. Those less able to contribute must be guaranteed high-quality access to health care when needed, with the support of a robust, publicly funded social safety net,” CHA chief executive officer Martin Laverty said. “Special attention in designing the co-payment arrangements is needed, and a transparent monitoring process involving government, health consumers and non-government health providers could identify and fix any adverse consequences that might arise.
“Australia’s health care system is already underpinned by individual contributions of many Australians towards the cost of their health care.
in average out-of-pocket costs. Visiting a specialist who doesn’t bulk bill costs a patient an average of $53.81 in out-of-pocket costs.
Those less able to contribute must be guaranteed high-quality access to health care when needed. Nearly half the population already contributes to health care costs through private health insurance. Before tonight’s announcement, visiting a general practitioner who doesn’t bulk bill triggered $28.72
“Looking beyond how to fund the health care system, attention should also turn to how to reduce demand on health care funding. National health policy should place more emphasis on keeping people
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healthy and out of hospital. “Action on the social determinants of health, effective prevention of chronic illness and optimal utilisation of primary health care delivery are keys to stemming health care demand in the years ahead. “Objectives on social determinants, preventive health and optimal service utilisation should be part of the mandate of Primary Healthcare Organisations (PHOs), as recommended to be established by the Horvath review of Medicare Locals,” Mr Laverty said.
1300 655 003 www.catholicinsurance.org.au 22/01/2014 9:53:12 AM