HEALTH SERVICES FOR VETERANS SECURE

The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Danna Vale, today reassured members of the veteran community that their health services were secure.

Mrs Vale said claims that the Australian Government was phasing out its Gold Health Card for veterans or that services were at risk were incorrect.

“Since the introduction of the new veteran access payment for GPs by the Government in 2003-04 Budget, an additional 1700 GPs have signed on as Local Medical Officers to provide medical care at no cost to entitled veterans and war widows,” Mrs Vale said.

“Under these arrangements, registered LMOs receive an additional payment of $3.05 per service item, in addition to the 100 per cent of the Medical Benefit Schedule fee paid for services to veterans.

“There are now more than 15,200 Local Medical Officers across Australia who are caring for our veterans and war widows. The veteran access payment has been a great success in securing LMO services for the veteran community and the suggestion that large numbers of these Local Medical Officers are now threatening to withdraw their services is completely unsubstantiated.”

Mrs Vale said the Government was aware of concern from some specialists about the level of fees for providing services to veterans.

“However, the overwhelming majority of specialists are continuing to treat veterans and I would encourage any veteran experiencing difficulties in obtaining specialist treatment to contact the Department for assistance in making alternative arrangements.

“I would also advise any organisation concerned about the availability of veterans’ health services to contact my Department to discuss these issues fully, rather than to cause unnecessary concern among our veterans and war widows,” Mrs Vale said.