Malcolm Turnbull’s latest attack on Medicare will see Australians reaching the New Year with delays in rebates for their medical expenses, as the Govenrment’s own Medicare help line hangs up on people chasing up their claims.
Centrelink is now openly advising people that they will need to wait at least four-six weeks for a Medicare refund if they put their claim in the Centrelink drop box – yet another blow for people struggling with medical costs.
To make matters worse, Australians calling the Government’s own Medicare help line are being hung up on before they can even speak to anyone.
This comes only months after Sussan Ley and Alan Tudge said that Australians wouldn’t see any impact from the changes to Medicare claims processing under this Government – exposed as a complete lie.
Malcolm Turnbull needs to front up and explain not only why people are experiencing lengthy delays in recouping basic medical expenses, but why they are being hung up on by his own Department which is meant to help.
This Government has no clue the financial pressure that Australians are under. Families are under enough financial strain at Christmas time – delays in rebates for some families could be the difference between putting food on the table and paying a bill. Others will put off seeing a doctor altogether.
This Government’s incompetence when it comes to health is staggering, and Australian families are paying the price this Christmas.
TUESDAY, 27 DECEMBER 2016