Australians with chronic conditions and complex needs are less activated than their healthier counterparts which may be a contributing factor to their generally worse health outcomes a Consumers Health Forum study has found. “In October – Health Literacy Month – these findings highlight how...

The question of any further taxpayer help for private health funds requires a searching inquiry into the cost benefits of such subsidies for the whole health system, the Consumers Health Forum said today. “Many billions of taxpayer dollars have been spent on private insurance, yet we are now...

…there seemed to be no way out. I was sick and couldn’t afford to get better. I’m a victim of sexual assault resulting in a diagnosed anxiety disorder and depression. I couldn’t afford the gap payment for counselling services. A skin infection got totally out of control. I did not have the cash to...

The Consumers Health Forum of Australia recognises that climate change represents an immense threat to our health and today announces it has joined the Climate and Health Alliance. As Australia’s leading advocacy organisation on consumer health issues, the Consumers Health Forum believes it is...

New figures showing that Australians are spending more than ever in health costs highlights the need for more Government action to remedy the crippling out of pocket costs many patients face, the Consumers Health Forum says. Latest official figures show that health spending by individuals has grown...

Health fund numbers have fallen again to their lowest level in 12 years, making more important than ever the need for a more consumer-focused approach, the Consumers Health Forum said today. “The continued decline in the number of Australians taking up private cover comes despite the introduction...

The new Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights released today gives welcome recognition to the evolving place of the patient as partner in decisions about their care. The My healthcare rights charter has been produced by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care and promotes...

A new report which finds Australia’s health system is “increasingly unfair, costly and confusing”, must spur the Federal Government to establish a wide-ranging inquiry into private health insurance and its role in the funding and delivery of healthcare, the Consumers Health Forum says. The report...

A report that health insurance funds have failed to meet regulated requirements concerning their coverage obligations is disturbing and warrants a review by the Government into the handling of pre-existing condition disputes, the Consumers Health Forum said today. Three health funds are reported in...

A new report shows that Australia still has some way to go to ensure our healthcare is accessible and works effectively for all Australians, the Consumers Health Forum said today. The findings of the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare report on patient experiences of information sharing...