ACCC report to the Senate on private health insurance

Overview

The ACCC is consulting on its 17th annual report to the Senate on the private health insurance industry for the period 1 July 2014 to 30 June 2015.

The ACCC will produce a report that focusses on a key issue identified in the 2013-14 report, namely the issue of policy changes that are not being appropriately communicated to consumers leading to unexpected costs and inadequate coverage.

Specifically, the ACCC is interested in examining:

• whether changes to policies are sufficiently clear, transparent and consistent and are being adequately communicated to consumers when they occur
• the impact policy changes that are not adequately communicated to consumers may have, including the extent to which they may:
  • lead to unexpected costs
  • limit consumer access to, or choices of health care
  • cause other potential consumer harm or detriment.

Submissions are welcome by Friday 29 April. 

Why your views matter

The ACCC is tasked by an order of the Senate to provide an annual report on competition and consumer issues in the private health insurance sector.

We are required to report on any anti-competitive or other practices by health insurers or providers which reduce the extent of health cover for consumers and increase their out-of-pocket medical and other expenses.