Election 2016: Turnbull says Labor’s $12b Medicare promise unfunded

The ABC’s Anna Henderson and Caitlyn Gribbin report (19.5.16) on the federal government’s and opposition’s rival claims about Medicare funding, amid concerns from doctors that the continued freeze on Medicare rebates will lead to GP patients being further out of pocket.

‘The Prime Minister has pounced on Labor’s $12 billion election promise to unwind the controversial freeze on Medicare rebates, arguing it is an unfunded commitment.

‘Labor’s plan announced today would cost $2.4 billion over the next four years and apply to all services provided by GPs, allied health and other medical specialists — but not pathology and diagnostic imaging.

‘The Opposition is predicting the decision will cost an extra $12 billion over the next decade, but those projections go well beyond the four-year budget forecasting period.

‘Shadow health spokeswoman Catherine King said the policy would be paid for through savings.’

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