RSL Australia Welcomes GP’s Veteran Access Payment Increase
MEDIA RELEASE
The Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL) has applauded today’s lifting of the Veteran Access Payment for certain general practitioner services and says the incentive should improve access to medical services for many veterans.
The Government’s initiative to triple the bulk billing incentive payment for GPs was announced in this year’s Budget, with the extra payments to begin on 1 November 2023.
The payment, in addition to the Medicare rebate, is available for veterans who hold a Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) Gold or White Card and applies for a range of consultations and treatments.
President Greg Melick said the RSL welcomed the introduction of this measure, which would increase veterans’ access to health care.
“It is an important advance, but much more is still to be done to improve the health and wellbeing of more than 580,000 veterans and their families.
“For example, the current Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide is painting a disturbing picture of the health challenges facing our defence and veteran community, particularly in the area of mental health,” Greg Melick said.
“We are continuing to work with the Federal Government to ensure the full implementation of all recommendations of the Royal Commission and the establishment of a permanent implementation body.
“This will require a significant and ongoing funding commitment.”
Greg Melick said the RSL had made a detailed pre-budget submission this year to secure funding to address the inequities and barriers that continue to be experienced by the veteran community.
“The tripling of the Veteran Access Payment is an important advance, as has been the increased DVA staffing, which has reduced the number of unprocessed claims and substantially reduced processing times for payments to medical practitioners.
“The RSL’s submission also called for the extension of non-liability healthcare to all reservists, further initiatives to reduce administration for healthcare providers treating veterans, the harmonisation of funeral benefits for veterans, funding to enhance our Advocacy Training and Development Program and as well as a commitment to implement demand-driven funding to support veterans’ welfare, rather than having to fight for funding each budget year.
“These measures were missing from the Budget, and we will continue to advocate for their implementation.
“Our veterans are skilled and capable people who make significant contributions to the Australian community post-service. Investing in services, support systems and wellbeing programs to strengthen their health and welfare remains a core focus for the RSL,” Greg Melick said.
