DISALLOWANCE OF CATARACT REBATE CHANGE
The Member for Berowra, Philip Ruddock MP said that the Coalition and crossbench Senators Nick Xenophon and Steve Fielding began processes in the Senate to prevent the Rudd Government halving Medicare rebates for cataract treatments.
It means constituents needing life-changing cataract surgery will not have to pay hundreds of dollars more for their treatment or be forced into lengthy public hospital queues.
Notice was given that both crossbench Senators and the Coalition will move to disallow changes to four Medicare items relating to cataract surgery.
Disallowance will prevent the Rudd Labor Government’s moves to slam cataract sufferers with additional costs that could make the life-changing surgery unaffordable.
One hundred and twenty thousand Australians undergo cataract surgery every year – most of them are senior Australians.
“Cataract surgery is a very cost effective preventative health measure, helping to prevent falls, fractures and mental stress,” Mr Ruddock said.
“The treatment can mean maintaining an independent life – continuing to live at home, continuing to drive a car, continuing to remain active.”
“As an important preventative health measure cataract surgery saves the health system far more than the $153 million savings expected over four years from the Budget cuts of which cataract treatments form part,” Mr Ruddock said.