MEDIBANK’S dramatic decision to end its relationship with Calvary Health Care – the only private hospital in the Riverina – has caused a ripple of concern among its strong membership base in the area.
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Marian Hubbard has had 22 operations – the majority at Calvary Wagga – and has been a loyal Medibank member for more than 50 years.
“If that’s the case, we’re going to have to change,” an upset Mrs Hubbard said.
“I think – we’ve been in it for 50 years and they are letting us down.
“If I have an operation I’d go to Calvary – we don’t have any other (private) options.”
Unless Medibank reverses its decision to stop fully-funding Calvary patients, she will end that long-term membership.
“They’re the ones that are going to lose out, people will have to change,” Mrs Hubbard said.
Health advocate Craig Hesketh said the decision would exacerbate the gaping divide of affordable health access between city and regional patients.
“I am concerned with the number of public services that are being moved to public-private,” Mr Hesketh said, adding Calvary lacked regional competitors.
He said this action would bar many patients from accessing Calvary’s new palliative care and rehabilitation features and planned hydrotherapy pool.
“We have a government that is creating more and more of these public-private partnership. Our local member must stand up and get involved.”
Member for Riverina Michael McCormack was concerned about Medibank’s and Calvary’s inability to come to an agreement, but was confident the issue would be resolved.
“I have spoken to Medibank – there are a lot of concerned people, many members of Medibank (worried) about not being able to access a service,” Mr McCormack said.
“I am confident this will be resolved.”
Mr McCormack said it was “certainly the case” that regional people were most affected when disputes like this occurred.
A Medibank spokesman said members who pre-booked for treatment before August 31, or undergoing treatment for pregnancy or chronic conditions, would have extended periods of cover under the existing terms.