The Greens health reform package will reduce out of pocket costs and build a truly universal healthcare system - including Medicare funded dental care - that provides healthcare for everyone, regardless of bank balance, postcode or illness.
"Medicare was a visionary reform and point of pride for many Australian but years of neglect, populist politics and piecemeal reforms have resulted in driving up costs for patients and prevented investment in areas that matter," said Leader of the Australian Greens Dr Richard Di Natale.
"You don't have a truly universal health system when thousands of Australians delay or avoid seeing a doctor, dentist or specialist because they can't afford it. It's about time we returned to the principle of free, universal, healthcare.
"Instead we have thousands of Australians languishing on surgery waiting lists or skipping their medications because they can't afford them. We are now heading down the path to an American two tiered health system."
"The Greens plan to reduce out of pocket costs and bring dental care into Medicare will finally follow through on the promise of a truly universal health system designed to keep people well. It's time our health care system provided the care you need when you need it, regardless of your bank balance.
"As a doctor I know that the growing gaps in care and barriers to access cannot be fixed with band- aid solutions that favour one particular patient group over another. Australia's health system is sick and the only policy prescription is comprehensive reform that addresses the root causes. "The Greens health reform package will reduce out of pocket costs for everyone, clear elective
surgery waiting lists and bring dental into Medicare. We will invest in prevention, implement team- based healthcare for people with chronic conditions, fund capital works that reduce bed block and ramping and put an end to the hospital funding blame game once and for all."
