Thousands of older Australians have benefited from changes to the Commonwealth seniors health card which allows cheaper doctor’s visits and medicines.
The Albanese government promised to increase the income threshold required to access the card before the 2022 federal election.
Since November, more than 14,780 self-funded retirees have been granted the health card who would not have previously been eligible.
The biggest increase was in NSW where 4153 people were granted the card. By 2025/26 more than 52,000 seniors in total across Australia are expected to benefit.
The card provides people who have reached age pension or veteran pension age concessional co-payments for medicines on the pharmaceutical benefits scheme and bulk-billed visits to general practitioners.
Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth said the changes were helping to ease cost-of-living pressures for older Australians.
“By reducing out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card not only minimises financial burden, but also encourages retirees to maintain their well-being,” she said.
On Monday, the government announced Anne Burgess had been appointed chair of the Council of Elders, a body which provides advice from older Australians about aged care reform and ageing well.
Ms Burgess replaced outgoing chair Ian Yates and will be in the position for two years.
In a statement, Ms Burgess said she was committed to working with council members and the government to ensure the rights and dignity of older people from all walks of life were protected in Australia’s aged care system.
Peak advocacy body COTA Australia said Ms Burgess had a track record championing issues of real importance to senior Australians.
“(Ms Burgess) has a wealth of experience and insight into the key issues impacting older Australians, including from her time on the COTA Australia national policy council, which makes her well equipped to take on the challenging and crucial role,” chief executive Patricia Sparrow said.
– AAP
