A toxic stoush between health insurers and hospitals is coming to a head and experts say the sector’s finances are murky. Here’s what we know about the dispute
Economists and policy experts have called out “murkiness” about the cost of private health care as the department of health prepares to deliver findings from its review into the financial viability of the sector.
“Reports about the sustainability of some private hospitals are concerning, particularly those in regional areas and where they play an important role in the local community,” the health minister, Mark Butler, said. “Insurers and hospitals are consenting adults, and should be left alone to negotiate mutually agreed contracts,” he said. “The private health insurance promise is quicker access to hospital treatment, and if an insurer cannot deliver on that promise they will face problems.”
“Clearly, it’s currently a very murky situation where you’ve got the players contradicting each other and fighting over the real basics about financial viability,” Breadon said.Breadon said normally, the government wouldn’t need to get involved in negotiations between hospitals and insurers by conducting a review.
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