With the war with Iran threatening to stoke global inflation and the cost-of-living crisis continuing to squeeze household budgets, many older Australians worry about making ends meet.
Rising insurance premiums, out-of-pocket medical costs, and everyday expenses are stretching retirees and pre-retirees to their limits.
According to the most recent National Seniors Australia (NSA) social survey, conducted in February 2026, older people who rely on the pension as their sole income source worry most if they can afford energy and insurance over the next 12 months.
Those doing a bit better, who receive a combination of pension and private income or are self-funded retirees, are most concerned about their ability to afford private health insurance.
In our latest Federal Budget Submission , NSA is calling for bold, practical reforms that will directly ease these pressures - and we want you to know exactly what we're fighting for.
Why private health needs to be reviewed
Private health insurance has become increasingly expensive, yet many older Australians rely on it to access timely care.
With premium rises often outpacing inflation, many retirees are stuck between paying more or downgrading cover. Without reform, premiums will continue to climb, putting affordable healthcare further out of reach.
Yet it's not just insurance that is causing problems for seniors, the out-of-pocket costs charged by specialists are also getting out of hand.
Unfortunately, the system is complex. Insurers point the finger at hospitals; hospitals point the finger at insurers, while governments and doctors do the same. There is no real understanding of who is right and where change could be made to reduce costs for patients.
That's why NSA is calling for a Productivity Commission review of private health insurance - a recommendation clearly laid out in our Federal Budget Submission . This review would examine what's driving costs upward, where inefficiencies exist, and how the system can be made fairer and more affordable for older Australians.
A thorough, independent review would shine a light on structural problems and pave the way for reforms that deliver value - not just for insurers and government, but for the Australians who rely on the system most.
There is also a focus on dental, with our ongoing call for a targeted Seniors Dental Benefit Scheme, to provide eligible pensioners with $500 per year to help meet dental costs.
We know this will make a difference for those with limited savings and income based on our past research, which showed cost as a significant barrier to dental .
The message we're taking to government is simple: Older Australians should not have to choose between their health and their household budget.
Beyond health: real solutions to soaring living costs
Health-related bills are only part of the problem. Seniors across the country are battling the rising costs of essentials, from food and rent to transport and utilities.
NSA's budget recommendations address these challenges head-on, with targeted reforms across concessions, energy, pensions, and housing.
Key cost-of-living recommendations include:
Concession extras card: a new targeted pensioner concessions card to deliver higher concessions for essential services to those with limited income and savings.
Deeming: slowly lift deeming rates in line with indexation to soften the blow since the three-year freeze was lifted.
Support for renters: an increase to rent assistance to ensure older people meet rising costs.
Energy credit: a targeted and responsible $150 energy credit for households that don't have the benefits of solar or batteries.
These measures are practical, targeted, and designed to deliver immediate relief as well as long-term stability.
There are also several recommendations to improve our struggling aged care system - not least a call for more home care packages and for greater provider transparency.
This is not a fringe conversation. This is a national priority.
We're standing up with you but need your support
By championing a full review of the private health system, advocating for improved concessions and rebates, and fighting for meaningful cost-of-living relief, NSA is making sure your voice is heard loud and clear in Canberra.
Our full submission lays out these recommendations in detail - and we invite you to read it, share it, and join us in advocating for a fairer, more affordable future.
If you care about affordable healthcare and real cost-of-living relief, now is the time to get involved. The easiest way is to become a financial member of NSA .
