Fed: Private health means testing would poison health reforms

AAP General News (Australia)
04-30-2010
Fed: Private health means testing would poison health reforms

Independent Senator NICK XENOPHON says linking the national health reforms with means
testing of the private health insurance rebate would be a "poison pill".

Labor will next month try a third time to have the Senate pass legislation to means
test the 30 per cent private health insurance rebate.

Senator XENOPHON and Family First senator STEVE FIELDING have sided with the coalition
to quash the bill.

But Prime Minister KEVIN RUDD has put the legislation back on the agenda .. saying
the savings are needed to pay for improvements to the hospital and health system .. in
reforms agreed to with the states.

Senator XENOPHON's told ABC Radio today he's still opposed to the bill .. as it would
see the government break an election promise.

AAP RTV gd/af

KEYWORD: INSURANCE (CANBERRA)

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