Hon. Kate Doust questions the Minister for Health regarding the potential impact of proposed changes to the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card eligibility on WA seniors and state public health services. The Minister's response indicates limited information and no representations made to the federal government.

AnsweredQoN 202Legislative Council
Asked
13 March 2014
Portfolio
Health

QuestionView source ↗

NATIONAL
COMMISSION OF AUDIT REPORT — COMMONWEALTH SENIORS HEALTH CARD
202. Hon KATE DOUST to the
parliamentary secretary representing the Minister for Health:
I refer to the National Commission of Audit report
commissioned by the federal government that recommends limiting the eligibility
for the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card.
(1) What numbers of seniors in
Western Australia are projected to be affected by the recommendations?
(2) With fewer
seniors receiving the benefits, does the Minister for Health anticipate
increased demand on state public health services?
(3) Will the
minister, or has the minister had the opportunity to, make representations to
the federal government about these proposed changes; and, if so, when did this
occur?

AnswerView source ↗

I thank the honourable member for
some notice of the question.
(1) The commonwealth
government has responsibility for the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card and
therefore I am unable to advise on the numbers affected.
(2) If there is a
proposed reduction in benefits, there is a potential for increase in attendance
at public hospital emergency departments.
(3) No.

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