Healthcare Affordability Issue Highlighted

Media Release
9 October 2009

ACC Announcement Highlights Healthcare Affordability Issue

ACC’s announcement today about its liability increasing by $4.8 billion highlights a worrying issue for all healthcare funders in New Zealand, according to Southern Cross Healthcare Group.

Group CEO Ian McPherson says rising healthcare costs are being felt throughout the health sector. “If this trend continues, it will mean increasing numbers of people will find it hard to afford private healthcare.

“If the Government and ACC intend pulling back on publicly funded healthcare services, they must realise that individuals can’t afford to fund those services. Where will this leave many New Zealanders?,” asks Dr McPherson.

“For many years we’ve seen the cost of healthcare services climbing well above the rate of inflation. Like ACC, our health insurance business is also experiencing increased demand for surgical procedures and rapidly rising healthcare costs.

“We are at the point where all involved in the healthcare sector have to address the cost of healthcare issue. We would welcome working together with providers to address this issue before it spirals out of control.”

ENDS

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