PCA supports the Department of Health and Aged Care’s proposal to require private health insurers to provide a minimum level of funding for their policy-holders to access an initial tranche of mandated, clinically proven Hospital in the Home (HITH) programs, with palliative care included as a core component of this HITH offering.

This reform would increase access to palliative care for the many Australians who would prefer to receive palliative care at home for as long as possible with appropriate supports. It would draw on the existing skilled palliative care workforce, and existing health infrastructure and programs, to extend specialist palliative care at home. This is a safe, high quality and effective approach to care. The reform would also improve system efficiency for end-of-life care.

PCA Submission Private Health Reform Options.pdf