Yes, our universal free medical care gets more expensive by the day. And a joke which sees millionaires in the queue for "free Medical care".

The load on the public health system would be greatly relieved if health care was means tested. Meaning those who can afford insurance will need to get insured.

This in turn would mean a much, much bigger cohort of the insured and more funds in the pool. And more folks able to afford private medical care.

This in turn would lessen the burden on the public health system. And a win, win all round.
Alan B.

Yeas AlanB but in the services mentioned in the article, health insurance doesn't apply at all. We have it but in many cases one usually has to be admitted to hospital for it to apply. Meanwhile, check the new rules for PSA tests - saying "it's complicated" is putting it mildly.

A situation that will only worsen with Australia morphing itself into a Sardine tin.

Working Australians pay approx. 2% of taxable income as a Medicare levy. The medicare system needs a review and more inspectors to check on those individuals and chain/franchise services rorting the system.

Living in a rural area can be challenging, especially when it comes to receiving medical care beyond the basics.

However, one positive aspect is that most rural doctors here hail from exotic parts of the world, such as Egypt, Iran, Kenya, and other places.

In my experience, they tend to be more compassionate and attentive compared to the doctors I had while living in Brisbane.

It makes me appreciate the dedication and care they provide to their patients, despite the limited resources available in rural areas.

Maybe I should have included this link showing prostate cancer rates overtake breast cancer https://www.pcfa.org.au/news-media/news/prostate-cancer-overtakes-breast-cancer-as-australia-s-most-common-cancer/.
"Prostate cancer is now the most common cancer diagnosed in Australia, overtaking breast cancer as the country’s leading cause of cancer.
Data just released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare estimates 24,217 Australian men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year, compared to 20,640 women diagnosed with breast cancer.

The forecast is a 34 per cent increase on previous year.[1] Australia’s peak body for prostate cancer has described the news as a wake-up call.

Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia Chairman, Adjunct A/Professor Steve Callister, said the data provided further justification for an urgent review of the nation’s Clinical Guidelines for PSA Testing...."

That was in July last year and obviously fell on deaf ears.

These new PSA test rules from Nov 1 have pretty much flown under the radar but imagine the outcry if they started charging women for mammograms, or told them "maybe you will be charged ... it's complicated." Hopefully they never will!