Strong Public Support for Private Health Fund Reform in Australia

A recent survey has revealed substantial public backing for reforms to Australia’s private hospital funding system. Conducted by Money.com.au, the survey found that nearly 80% of respondents supported changes aimed at reducing out-of-pocket expenses for patients, signalling growing public interest in reshaping healthcare financing across the country.

Currently, private hospital funding is a combination of insurance coverage, patient contributions, and Medicare benefits. Only 20% of respondents expressed satisfaction with the existing system, indicating a clear desire for a pre-determined, financially less burdensome model.

Support Across Funding Models

The survey also evaluated public preferences for different proposed funding models:

Under the ABF model, standardised prices would be established for specific types of private hospital treatments, replacing the current variable fee structures. The primary objectives are to ensure high-quality care while maintaining affordability for patients.

Generational Differences in Support

Support for reform varies significantly by age group, reflecting divergent attitudes toward healthcare costs and financial risk:

These generational differences highlight contrasting priorities regarding healthcare spending, patient financial exposure, and long-term sustainability.

Government Proposals and Industry Concerns

The federal government has proposed the Private National Efficient Price (PNEP) framework, which would set national pricing standards for private hospital services and establish contract benchmarks with insurers. These reforms are expected to take effect in July 2026.

Industry experts have cautioned that any change must strike the right balance between patient financial protection and the operational viability of hospitals. Chris Whitehall, General Manager of Health Insurance at Money.com.au, noted: “Without adequate safeguards, hospitals may increase fees, ultimately transferring costs onto patients.”

Meanwhile, private health insurance premiums are also projected to rise, with industry forecasts suggesting an approximate 4% increase within the next year.

In summary, the survey demonstrates strong public support for private hospital funding reform. Successful implementation, however, will require carefully calibrated measures to protect patients while preserving the financial stability of private hospitals.