Ending higher private health rebate for Australians 65 and over is ‘good policy change’, report co-author finds

The government rejects concerns that removing the higher private health insurance rebate for people aged 65 and over could put pressure on public hospitals. Photograph: Carly Earl/The Guardian

Removing the higher private health insurance rebate for people aged 65 and over is good policy that is unlikely to place additional pressure on public hospitals, according to health economists.

The proposed changes, set to take effect in April 2027, will mean the private health insurance rebate will depend only on how much money a person earns – matching the rules for people aged under 65.