BALLARAT FACING HIGHEST HEALTH COSTS IN REGIONAL VICTORIA

Official new data confirms what people in Ballarat already know – that health costs have never been higher than under Scott Morrison.

The Government’s own Health Department has revealed to the Senate that people in Ballarat pay an average out-of-pocket fee of $36.96 to see a GP.

This is a record high – up $10.04 or 37% since the Liberals were elected.

This means Ballarat residents are forced to pay more than any other regional Victorians to see a GP.

The Health Department has also contradicted the Government’s claims on bulk billing, admitting that 39.5% of patients in Ballarat have to pay to see a GP.

This is set to worsen, with GP bulk billing in Ballarat falling under the Coalition.

Specialist out-of-pocket fees are also at record highs, with people in Ballarat paying an average $71.61 to see a specialist– up a staggering $24.84 or 53% under the Coalition.

This means Ballarat residents are forced to pay more than any other regional Victorians to see a specialist.

With just 25.1% of people in Ballarat always bulk billed by specialists, these costs hit thousands of locals every year.

“These new figures are a damning indictment of the Coalition’s record of cuts and neglect in health,” Ms King said.

“Members of our community are being slugged more and more to see a doctor”.

“These price rises are making it harder and harder for Ballarat residents to get medical help when they need it.”

Health costs have never been higher than under Scott Morrison.