Opal Healthcare refunds $190k for charging residents for unused services
Opal Healthcare refunded $190,000 to residents charged for services like TV and meals they never used.
Opal Healthcare has refunded $190,000 to residents charged for lifestyle services they didn't use. The federal government tightened aged care pricing rules in November after discovering the overcharges.
Some residents were billed $5 daily for TV. Other residents were charged $900 yearly for occasional restaurant meals.
One 90-year-old woman is charged $16 daily for wine she never drinks. She's also charged for Wi-Fi and Foxtel she cannot use.
Other facilities continue exploiting the system. Minister for Aged Care Sam Rae said providers are taking older people for a ride.
The government is cracking down on loopholes.
- $190,000
- Refund amount
- $5
- Daily TV charge
- $900
- Yearly restaurant meal charge
- $16 for 90-year-old woman
- Daily wine charge example
Why it mattersElderly Australians in aged care may be vulnerable to overcharging for services they don't use, leaving families needing to scrutinise bills carefully.
AustraliaShows aged care price gouging persists in Australia despite government crackdowns, affecting vulnerable elderly residents and their families across the country.
Corroborated bysbs.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 12 h ago
