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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
National
Melissa Davey Medical editor

Online ads promote ‘simple’ access to super to pay for healthcare, despite strict rules

Close up of a dentistry procedure
Advocates say online ads for dental treatment are encouraging patients to dig into superannuation to pay for healthcare costs. Photograph: Peter Cade/Getty Images

Advertisements offering patients “simple” access to their superannuation to pay for medical treatments have been described by the peak consumer health body as a “worrying trend” amid the cost-of-living crisis.

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) approved 37,400 individuals to access their superannuation early on compassionate medical grounds in 2022-23, releasing a total of $730m.

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