Labor Brands Changes 'MedicareMinus'

This is the text of a media statement from the Leader of the Opposition, Simon Crean, and the Shadow Minister for Health, Julia Gillard. It follows the announcement of Medicare changes by the Federal Government.

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MedicareMinus

John Howard has only one answer to Australia's Medicare crisis – you pay more.

This is not MedicarePlus, but MedicareMinus: Medicare minus its heart and soul – bulk billing.

The so-called "safety-net" amounts to an admission that under John Howard families will pay more to see a doctor.

It's a $500 or $1,000 up-front fee for health expenses for the 200,000 families who qualify, and nothing for the millions who don't.

If bulk billing was restored, families wouldn't need a safety net because they wouldn't have to pay to see a doctor in the first place.

Under John Howard, Medicare will become a two-tier health system where pensioners and concession cardholders get bulk billed, and everyone else pays and pays.

Under Labor, bulk billing will be available to everyone – including those who continue to pay for Medicare through their taxes and Medicare Levy.

Labor created Medicare. Only Labor believes in Medicare. Only Labor will restore Medicare.