Are foreign billionaires controlling Aussie healthcare?
Hey everyone,
I've been reading about a worrying trend in our healthcare system: Private hospitals are starting to avoid surgeries that don't make them enough money.
This means essential procedures like wisdom teeth removal, breast reconstructions after cancer, and gynaecological surgeries are at risk.
The media is framing this as a fight between insurance companies and hospitals, but what they're not mentioning is that Healthscope, a major provider of private health facilities, has been sold to Brookfield, an overseas private equity firm. This isn't just happening in Australia. Companies like Blackrock, Blackstone, and Brookfield are buying up infrastructure worldwide, and it's us, the everyday people, who are paying the price. Our health insurance bills are going up, but the services we get are going down.
Take Northern Beaches Hospital, for example. It was built with our tax dollars and then sold to Healthscope for practically nothing. Now it's in the hands of some American billionaires.
I've got more info on this, and I'm willing to dig deeper. But I want to hear from you all too. Are we just going to sit back and let our health system be controlled by a handful of rich foreigners? What do you think we can do about it?![]()
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Let's talk about it. Here's the article that got me started: Private hospitals stay open for insured Aussies despite Healthscope-Brookfield standoff – PHA
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juujuuu : The private health insurance market can be a maze, but choosing a not-for-profit provider like HCF simplifies it. It's about quality care, not just avoiding the Medicare levy (I am not an agent thx![[undefined]](https://static.moomoo.com/nnq/emoji/static/image/default/default-black.png?imageMogr2/thumbnail/36x36 "undefined")
Rookie baby : Switching from companies like NIB to HCF for necessary surgeries after a 12-month wait is a common tactic, but it's not fair. We need a better system where insurers provide real coverage, not just a way to avoid Medicare levies.
I think there should be a rule that if you switch health funds, your old insurer should still cover you for two years under your new plan.
The low-quality PHI providers are damaging the whole industry. I'm with a not-for-profit PHI that serves my industry and provides good rebates. It's a better model.
In the end, who can blame people for wanting to pay less and get the same service?
drfrogsplat : I'm fortunate to have good healthcare, but I won't turn a blind eye to the flaws in the system. We can and should do better. Private insurance costs are skyrocketing, but public healthcare is still the backbone of our system. Australians might be apathetic now, but it's crucial we start fighting for a healthcare system that truly works for everyone.
Skoljil : After canceling my private cover, I realized the public system is more than capable. It's time to invest in what truly serves the community.
mrminivee : I've been on a grandfathered plan and it's been a lifesaver. Current options just can't compete with the benefits I enjoy.
SnowVested : great, now Ozzy health care is going to be just as bad as our utilities that provide meak, miserable, lack over priced services
assailed OP SnowVested : Certainly!