AHHA recognises that the Australian health system is a mixed public and private system and that our current health system arrangements are a result of historical, constitutional and political circumstances. However, universal health care is a core feature of the Australian healthcare system and should not be compromised through increased out-of-pocket expenses or
inequitable access to needed services.
AHHA strongly supports universal healthcare with all Australians having timely access to high-quality health care services regardless of their ability to pay. While AHHA supports consumer choice and practitioners’ right to private practice, we also support having a healthcare system that is effective, accessible, equitable, sustainable and which provides patient-centred
care with a focus on quality outcomes for all Australians. AHHA is particularly concerned with the level of out-of-pocket costs faced by consumers with around one quarter of total health expenditure paid by individuals either directly or through private health insurance premiums.