Albanese government scraps $5000 veterans' treatment cap
The government scrapped a $5000 cap on veterans' allied health spending after fierce opposition.
Veterans Affairs Minister Matt Keogh said Thursday the government was dropping a proposed $5000 spending cap. The cap would have required veterans to have their care reviewed when costs hit $5000.
It would have replaced the current system where a GP gives a new referral every 12 visits. Keogh said the government heard veterans' concerns and removed the cap.
The Coalition and independent senator Jacqui Lambie both attacked the plan and rallied public support against it. The government plans to consult veterans and health providers on other ways to improve outcomes.
It will keep the system's integrity.
- $5000
- Proposed cap
- Every 12 visits
- Current referral cycle
- About 90 per cent
- Veterans affected
- Biggest in 20 years
- Fee increase scale
Why it mattersVeterans keep full access to allied health treatment without a spending cap. This removes a barrier to mental health and injury support for ex-service personnel.
AustraliaAustralian veterans retain unlimited allied health referrals and treatment access under the current system, avoiding the cost review that would have affected about 90 per cent of veterans using allied health services.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 8 d ago
