The Australian Medical Association (AMA) Tasmania has welcomed the announcement by the Federal Government to back down on the proposal to cut the $20 Medicare rebate to Level B GP consultations, due to come into effect next Monday.
AMA Tasmania President Dr Tim Greenaway said today’s announcement by Health Minister Susan Ley would come as a huge relief for doctors and patients, not only in Tasmania but across the country.
“AMA welcomes this decision and is heartened to see that common sense has prevailed,” Dr Greenaway said.
“The AMA has placed the Government under significant public pressure over these proposed changes, forcing this issue front and centre, with both the Prime Minister and the Minister for Health.”
Dr Greenaway said while the AMA was very pleased with today’s decision, there were still concerns with other planned cuts to funding with MBS service.
“The proposal for a $5 rebate cut for most GP services from 1 July 2015 and the planned freeze on MBS indexation until 2018 still remain a concern,” he said.
“As such, the AMA’s planned GP Forums to support general practice and provide feedback to the Government’s consultation process will still take place in Hobart and Launceston at 11am on Sunday, 1 February 2015.
“AMA members and non-members are all welcome to attend these forums and advocate for a strong health policy for general practice.”
Tasmanians can register to attend the GP forums at www.ama.com.au/gprally
Hobart’s GP forum will be held at Rydges Hobart, 393 Argyle Street and the Launceston forum will be held in the Chapel Room at the Tailrace Centre, Waterfront Drive, Riverside.
Both forums will be held from 11am-12.30pm on Sunday, 1 February 2015.
