Public vs private – productivity commission investigates
The Productivity Commission will compare the performances of the nation’s public and private hospital systems in a new inquiry.
Assistant Treasurer, Chris Bowen, has announced that the commission would compare treatment costs, including out-of-pocket patient expenses, and hospital infection rates.
The commission will also advise the Government on the most appropriate indexation for the Medicare Levy Surcharge (MLS) income thresholds.
The inquiry was one of the conditions upon which independent Senator Nick Xenophon, supported the raising of the income thresholds at which the MLS kicks in for people without private health insurance.
The commission will report to Government within six months.
