The $7 Medicare co-payment is like a nagging cough for the federal government.
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It just won’t go away.
Now there are suggestions some Coalition politicians are unhappy and would like to see some people exempted from payments.
That is not surprising given widespread community opposition to the surcharge, which may not make it through the Senate.
If rejected, it would make the government’s hugely unpopular budget look even sicker.
The fee was dubbed a “tax” when it was announced in May.
Medical organisations continue to voice concerns that the surcharge on GP visits will impact an ageing population and most residents in regional centres where wages - and disposable incomes - are lower.
Fears remain that it could place more strain on local hospitals already treating minor ailments for many patients trying to avoid gap payments at private clinics.
More patients would mean more costs and could impact state health budgets.
The Rural Doctors’ Association is worried that the most marginalised people would be most likely affected because often those with high health needs are low-income earners.
The government argues the fee will help sustain the health system for the future, as evidenced by comments from Parkes MP Mark Coulton.
Various organisations have suggested changes. So far the government has not budged.
The Coalition should rethink the plan or it could be a budget medicine with a long-lasting bad taste for them.