HANDS OFF MEDICARE!

Let the politicians know and send a letter...

Suggested format for your letter:

To use this letter simply copy and paste the text into your email and then make the relevant changes to personalise your message.

Dear ....

I oppose the Howard government’s proposed changes to our universal health system - Medicare. I ask you to ensure that no changes to Medicare occur until a full and comprehensive national, independent inquiry into the future of Australia’s health system is undertaken. This will enable the community to determine the type of health system that meets its needs.

Australia developed a world-class health system, one that provided certainty for all Australians regardless of income. But recently consumers have faced a drastic reduction in bulk billing, a significant increase in out-of-pocket expenses and growing waiting lists for treatments and procedures. I condemn the Howard government for their constant undermining of Medicare and its recently announced plans to step up this attack.

I believe all Australians must be able to access quality health and aged care services in a timely fashion—this is a basic human right and reflects Australia’s commitment to a "fair go" for all.

I do not want to see Medicare and our public health system undermined by changes that reduce the ability of people to access health care or be bulk-billed for medical treatment.

I do not want to see Medicare changed into a US style two-tier system that requires co-payment to doctors by everybody except people receiving government income support.

Immediate measures must be taken to maintain and increase the level of bulk billing, a fundamental cornerstone of Medicare. Funding for our public health system must also be increased.

I want to see the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme strengthened, not reduced or dismantled.

I do not want Australia to sign any international agreements, including trade agreements, which put our universal health care system or Medicare at risk of privatisation, foreign involvement or foreign ownership.

I want you, as my elected representative, to oppose the Howard Government’s proposed changes to Medicare.

Could you please advise me of what action you intend to take on my behalf with respect to this matter of national importance.

Yours sincerely,

After meeting with a politician, make sure you follow up with a letter
..... the following is suggested.

Dear ....

Thank you for meeting with me on .......... to discuss my serious concerns about proposed changes by the Howard government to our Medicare system.

At this meeting you agreed that you would .......... (state what the member said they would do on your behalf).

At our meeting I requested that you advise me of the outcome of your actions.

As I told you at our meeting, the maintenance of a universal health system is of vital importance to our family. I will continue to take action to ensure that our access to and the quality of health care services for all Australians is maintained.

I eagerly await further contact from you with regards to this matter.

Thank you again for taking the time to meet with me.

Yours sincerely,

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