States demand Commonwealth ditch over-65s rebate cuts

Some state health ministers are demanding the federal government scrap plans to cut private health insurance rebates for Australians aged 65 and over, citing strain on public hospitals.

Why it mattersThe rebate cut would force millions of older Australians to pay hundreds more each year. It could also clog public hospitals with patients no longer covered privately.

AustraliaThree million Australians over 65 would face higher health insurance costs from April 2027, and public hospitals across all states could face significant additional pressure.

✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 6 d ago