FED

AAP General News (Australia)
12-16-1999
FED:

Federal Health minister MICHAEL WOOLDRIDGE has claimed victory in filling the gap between
what doctors actually charge and what health insurers will pay.

Dr WOOLDRIDGE says cabinet has approved a decision to allow private health insurers
to cover the full costs of private treatment without the need for a contract with the
doctor.

He says that will involve changes to health legislation to allow a greater variety
of gap products.

Dr WOOLDRIDGE says that that means that doctors and health funds can work together
to reduce the gap.

Dr WOOLRDIDGE says he is not sure the gap will ever disappear entirely, but patients
would know in advance what to expect.

He says this is not about helping the doctors and that he will only sign off on the
new arrangements if every cent spent is used to reduce the gap.

AAP RTV mb/wz/rt

KEYWORD: INSURANCE (CANBERRA)

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