Controversial $7 GP co-payment set to be scrapped

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THE federal government is believed to be poised to scrap its controversial $7 GP co-payment, a key component of its May budget.

The proposal has laid dormant since Treasurer Joe Hockey announced the measure, which was scheduled to come into effect from July 1 next year.

It has not been introduced to parliament because the government does not have enough support for legislation to pass the Senate.

The co-payment was criticised as discriminating against lower-income earners when unveiled by Mr Hockey.

Doctors’ groups say it will discourage them from bulk-billing because they will lose more money if they bulk-bill patients.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott spoke yesterday about “clearing barnacles” at the end of a tough year for the government.

It is understood many within the government consider that the co-payment falls into the “barnacle” category.

Concerns within the Coalition have recently centred on the $7 co-payment for visits to the doctor and Mr Abbott’s commitment to an expensive paid parental leave scheme — which many MPs want dumped.

Liberal senator Cory Bernardi told 2UE yesterday he expected the co-payment to be shelved because there was “no appetite” for it in the Senate.

Source: The Australian

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