27 May, 2019 – HCF, Australia’s largest not-for-profit health fund, welcomes the reappointment of The Hon Greg Hunt MP as Minister for Health. This is a welcome announcement for the private health insurance industry in light of the Coalition’s commitment to making health cover more affordable for Australian’s.

During the election campaign, Minister Hunt expressed his support for the role of private health insurance and the need for reform to reduce the pressures felt by the health system and individual Australians.

HCF believes the Coalition’s focus on health, in particular, its promise to restore the rebate to 30 percent of the costs of premiums when fiscal circumstances improve, will help the fund maintain its own vision for its members.

“Everything we do at HCF is to make health cover more understandable, affordable, high quality and customer-centric. We are pleased to see that Minister Hunt continues to support the value of private health insurance and shares the same vision - to look for opportunities to improve health cover affordability” said Sheena Jack, CEO of HCF.

“We look forward to working with Minister Hunt to investigate the ways in which we can keep premiums as low as possible.”

“This year we delivered our lowest average premium increase in 17 years. We will only be able to continue to deliver this type of result to our members if we get support from government to make the health system work more efficiently,” added Ms Jack.

“We encourage the Coalition to take an early approach to issues to ensure not only our industry but the broader health system remains stable and sustainable. Let’s keep reviewing issues like out of pocket costs, stopping cost shifting by public hospitals and restoring the value of the health insurance premium rebate.”

-ENDS-

Issued on behalf of HCF by Palin Communications. Media enquiries to:

• Hamish Walsh
  Ph: 02 9412 2255
  M: 0422 424 338
  E: hamish@palin.com.au
• Karina Durham
  Ph: 02 9412 2255
  M: 0402 307 056
  E: karina@palin.com.au

ABOUT HCF

HCF, Australia’s largest not-for-profit health fund protecting Australians since 1932, covers over 1.5 million members with health and life insurance, community care, travel and pet insurance. On average over the last five years, HCF has paid out more cents in every dollar in premiums to members as benefits than the industry average. With over 35,000 specialists participating in its Medical Gap Cover Scheme and approximately 10,000 providers participating in its 100% back more for You programs, HCF gives members access to quality health care with no gaps or minimal costs compared to non-participating providers. To empower members to put their health first, HCF also offers a range of health and lifestyle services including its My Health Guardian health management program, mobile Victor Chang Health Checks and My Global Specialist second opinion service. HCF’s national network of retail outlets and Australian-based call centres have earned multi-award winning status. HCF members also have access to low cost, high quality services at HCF Dental Centres and HCF Eyecare Centres. Having contributed $50 million to support the health services research funded by the HCF Research Foundation, HCF is devoted to investing in the future of Australia’s health. To learn more about HCF go to hcf.com.au/about-us