Becoming unwell is stressful enough, but now patients are fighting back on the financial stress that often follows.
Close to one in five Australians say they’ve delayed or cancelled specialist appointments or surgeries because of the cost.
On top of that, half of Australians say medical costs have caused them stress, and some report receiving unexpected bills that sometimes seem unrelated to their care.
Patients are calling on the federal government to make reforms to reduce high prices and address “bill shock”.
Guest/s
Dr Adam Triggs, partner at economics advisory firm Mandala, ANU Crawford School of Public Policy
Professor Jennifer Martin, pharmacologist and president of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians
Luan Lawrenson-Woods, women's health advocate and host of the Regarding Me podcast
Nick Verry, oesophageal cancer survivor and consumer advocate for upper GI cancers
Hayley
Greg Newbegin
References
Restoring affordable access to specialist care in Australia