Consumer Choice and Policy Challenges in the Australian Private Health Insurance Market
Although all Australians have free access to public hospital treatment through Medicare, 44% purchase private hospital insurance. Why do Australians buy private health insurance, and have our reasons changed over time? The Australian Government has several policies to encourage people to purchase private hospital insurance. What is the justification for the Government to subsidise the private insurance industry? How do government interventions affect individuals’ decisions to buy private hospital insurance?
This regularly held colloquium will showcase our projects and researchers. This is a forum that encourages discussion on how research insights should inform policy and practice. More information on the series is available here.