A recent survey has revealed a troubling trend in Australian healthcare, with many citizens delaying or skipping crucial medical treatments due to cost-of-living pressures.
The 6th Australian Healthcare Index (AHI), conducted by Healthengine and the Australian Patients Association, paints a concerning picture of healthcare accessibility in the face of mounting economic pressures.
The survey, which polled over 9,391 Australians, found that a staggering 75% of respondents reported that cost-of-living increases had impacted their healthcare decisions. More alarmingly, 60% admitted to delaying doctor visits, while 53% postponed dental treatments.
Australian Patients Association CEO David Clarke expressed concern over these findings: “Recent editions of the Australian Health Index have helped bring the issue of cost into focus – but the results of our latest survey are the starkest yet. To have people delaying and skipping important appointments and treatments because of costs creates downstream problems with higher risks that people’s health gets even worse.”
The survey also revealed that only half of the participants were fully bulk billed on their most recent GP visit, a figure Clarke deemed insufficient “given the cost pressures people are living with.”
Other concerning statistics include 32% of respondents postponing diagnostic tests or scans, 28% skipping necessary medications, and 26% delaying mental health support.
In response to these challenges, Healthengine CEO Dan Stinton highlighted the role of technology in improving healthcare access: “Tech platforms like Healthengine help provide more choice and greater access to cost-effective medical options, but a lot of people still don’t know this service is there. We’re working hard to help people find bulk billing doctors, or get access to a GP after work all at the click of a button.”
As living costs continue to rise, the impact on Australians’ health choices remains a pressing concern, calling for urgent attention from policymakers and healthcare providers.
Ritchelle is a Content Producer for Healthcare Channel, Australia’s premier resource of information for healthcare.
