Plan to reduce private health rebates for older Australians to have ‘almost no impact’ on hospital system, expert says

Health minister Mark Butler said the government would push ahead with removing higher private health insurance rebates for people aged 65 and over, despite backlash from insurers and advocacy groups. Photograph: Lukas Coch/AAP

A leading health economist says the removal of higher private health insurance rebates for those aged 65 and over will have “almost no impact” on the public health system, despite backlash from insurers and advocacy groups.

Before last week’s budget, the federal government announced older Australians would see a reduction in their private health insurance rebates, bringing them into line with those aged under 65.