theguardian.com
Cost of Chronic Illness for Women in Australia
The article highlights the significant financial burden faced by women with chronic health conditions in Australia due to the gender gap in Medicare rebates and overall healthcare costs.
English
United Kingdom
Human Rights ViolationsHealthGender IssuesHealthcareGender InequalityMedicareFinancial BurdenChronic Conditions
Royal Australian College Of General Practitioners (Racgp)QendoNational Women’s Health Advisory Council
Alyse BradleyDr Nicole HigginsYvonne ApplebyDr Nisha KhotGed Kearney
- What are some examples of Medicare's gender bias in healthcare rebates?
- Medicare's structure disadvantages women, rewarding procedural medicine over preventative care and longer consultations. Rebate inequalities exist; for instance, vasectomy rebates are significantly higher than those for IUD insertions, a more time-consuming procedure.
- What measures are being taken to address the gender gap in Medicare rebates?
- The National Women's Health Advisory Council is conducting a gender audit of Medicare services to ensure fairer rebates for women. While some improvements are planned, such as funding longer gynaecologist appointments, advocates highlight the need for broader change and increased rebates for various gender-specific items.
- How does the cost-of-living crisis impact women's healthcare access in Australia?
- The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) highlights a gender health gap, exacerbated by the cost of living crisis. Women face more years of poor health, higher out-of-pocket expenses, and are more likely to delay or forgo care due to cost.
- Describe the financial challenges faced by Yvonne Appleby in managing her chronic health conditions.
- Yvonne Appleby, a 60-year-old with multiple chronic conditions, struggles to afford her medical expenses despite a pension card offering discounts. She illustrates the financial burden of chronic illness, particularly for those who cannot afford to change doctors even if bulk billing is no longer available.
- What is the estimated financial burden Alyse Bradley has faced due to her chronic health conditions?
- Alyse Bradley, a finance professional, has spent at least $400,000 out-of-pocket over two decades managing chronic health conditions like endometriosis and adenomyosis. This includes medical expenses, lost income due to illness, and additional costs from having to move in with her mother after surgeries.