Mal and Greg drink to your health!

[Wayne]

The cost of private health insurance for Australian families will increase by as much as $200 after the federal government approved plans by funds to increase premiums by nearly 5 per cent from April.

Health Minister Greg Hunt signed off on an average premium rise of 4.84 per cent, seeing the top tier of family hospital cover increase to about $4500 annually and singles cover to increase by about $100 to $1250.

http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/ ... t.html[url][/url]

I am finding that as premiums rise by more than inflation each year, the benefits are falling. Payouts on ancillary benefits like dental, optometrists, and a host of others are gradually and sneakily being reduced. I know this has been an issue for both major parties - but someone with balls needs to start reining in these health funds. They certainly should not be promoting sporting activities or spending member's funds on anything other than health. Unfortunately, Hunt won't have the guts to step in and do anything about it.

[LEFTWINGER supreme]

Well above inflation , the Libs have to sign off on it so the question has to be asked , how can a 25% hike in premiums in Libs tenure be justified ? Apart from the political donations that is .