John Faulkner (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Vice-President of the Executive Council) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Yesterday, Senator Cormann asked me a question and two supplementary questions in question time on DVA indexation for cataract surgery. He asked me if I could request certain information from the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, and I seek leave to incorporate further answers to those questions in Hansard .

Leave granted.

The additional answer read as follows—

In 2006, the previous government established an updated schedule of fees for in-hospital surgical procedures for veterans as part of a five-year package to increase fees for medical services.

These arrangements cover a broad range of services including cataract surgery.

The fees were set in consultation with the profession and gave consideration to the average fees paid by private health insurers.

When specialists accept the gold card, it provides for full and complete payment for treatment, and no copayments are permitted.

The arrangements also included provisions for annual indexation of items that were also listed on the MBS.

This reflects the outcomes of arrangements focussed on providing services to veterans. This government is not about to break commitments given in good faith to this group of Australians

The indexation rate applied each year on 1 November is consistent with that applied under Medicare.

The current fee level for in hospital cataract surgery for veterans is $1,291.75. This fee represents the full payment to the treating specialist for the service.

The MBS item for this procedure is in place through a 3c determination made by the Minister for Health and Ageing under the Health Insurance Act 1973.

Yesterday, Senator Cormann requested that i seek the views of the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs. The minister has made it clear that he intends to honour the arrangements negotiated and set by the Howard government with the AMA.

Mathias Cormann (WA, Liberal Party, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Health Administration) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Deputy President, I seek leave to make a short statement in response to the minister’s additional information.

Leave not granted.

Just a couple of minutes?

Alan Ferguson (SA, Deputy-President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

After taking note of answers, Senator Cormann.