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At-Large Representative and Opposition Member Ronnie Skelton has raised concerns that the National Health Insurance (NHI) assistance is being determined by who makes the request rather than by a consistent policy.
Speaking recently in the House of Assembly, Skelton questioned whether financial challenges were influencing NHI’s decisions.
“It seems the policy is shifting depending on who is requesting assistance. That can’t be right,” Skelton said.
“If you have a policy that you only pay this for a procedure, then that’s the policy. Whether I go to Dr Fraser or Dr Turnbull, it shouldn’t be a problem.”
Skelton, who helped establish NHI while serving as Health Minister, said he wants officials brought before the House to explain its policies and operations.
“NHI, which is my baby, I gave birth to it as a minister with the support of all my colleagues,” he said. “There’s some stuff that NHI is doing that causes me concern.”
He said he was willing to work with the Minister for Health to address the concerns.
Skelton also called for a holistic approach to healthcare involving NHI, the hospital, clinics and emergency services.
“We cannot think the hospital is the solution to all national health issues,” he said, noting that the hospital is the most expensive part of healthcare.
Speaking recently in the House of Assembly, Skelton questioned whether financial challenges were influencing NHI’s decisions.
“It seems the policy is shifting depending on who is requesting assistance. That can’t be right,” Skelton said.
“If you have a policy that you only pay this for a procedure, then that’s the policy. Whether I go to Dr Fraser or Dr Turnbull, it shouldn’t be a problem.”
Skelton, who helped establish NHI while serving as Health Minister, said he wants officials brought before the House to explain its policies and operations.
“NHI, which is my baby, I gave birth to it as a minister with the support of all my colleagues,” he said. “There’s some stuff that NHI is doing that causes me concern.”
He said he was willing to work with the Minister for Health to address the concerns.
Skelton also called for a holistic approach to healthcare involving NHI, the hospital, clinics and emergency services.
“We cannot think the hospital is the solution to all national health issues,” he said, noting that the hospital is the most expensive part of healthcare.
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