Last aged care reviewer endorses latest aged care recommendations

Professor Warren Hogan, author of ‘Review of pricing arrangements in aged care’ published in 2004, has publicly endorsed the National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission’s (NHHRC) recommendations for aged care.

They welcomed the commission’s call for a “strategic reappraisal” of Australia’s aged care policy in its interim report on Australia’s future health needs.

Professor Hogan said the NHHRC paper, along with last year’s report from the Productivity Commission, presents a compelling case for change in the current economic environment.

“More than ever the times call for intellectual and professional agility to explore effective alternative measures to secure better outcomes for users and governments from the aged care expenditure allocations,” he said.  

He has again criticised the “discriminatory” ban on ordinary high care bonds, saying the distinction drawn between extra service high care where bonds may be sought, and ordinary high care where they may not, brings a remarkable discrimination.

Those with substantial assets may “buy” their way into high care by offering substantial bonds.

“Those lacking substantial wealth – not concessional and assisted residents alone but including those of relatively modest wealth – are not able to offer anything to support the provision of services for them,” Professor Hogan said.