Share your story

Sign the petition

Petition Statement

Australians deserve a healthcare system that is transparent, affordable, and equitable. Yet, rising out-of-pocket costs are placing an unbearable burden on patients and their families, forcing many to delay or avoid essential care. 

We call on the Australian Government to introduce policies that ensure: 

​

1. Upfront Transparency: Patients must receive clear and consistent disclosure of all costs associated with medical treatments, procedures, and hospital stays before they commit to care.

2. Fair Pricing Standards: Implement guidelines to protect patients from excessive and unexpected charges.

3. Support for Vulnerable Australians: Expand subsidies and rebates for low-income and at-risk patients to ensure affordability and accessibility. 

​​

Access to healthcare is a right, not a privilege. It’s time to put patients first and remove financial barriers to essential care. 

Why this matters

Australians are struggling to afford the care they need: 

​

• Out-of-pocket healthcare costs have risen in the past decade, creating financial stress for individuals and families.

• Patients are being blindsided by unexpected fees due to inadequate cost disclosures.

• Vulnerable groups, including older Australians, people with disabilities, and those living in rural areas, face even greater challenges.

​​

When patients delay or skip care because of cost, their health deteriorates, leading to worse outcomes and even higher costs to the system. This is not just a financial issue—it’s a matter of life and health for millions of Australians. 

What we're asking for

We urge the Australian Government to take immediate action by: 

​

• Mandating cost transparency:  Introduce regulations requiring specialists to obtain informed financial consent from patients before the patient attends a consultation or undergoes a procedure during a hospital admission.

• Introducing accountability mechanisms for specialists who do not ensure they obtain proper informed financial consent from their patients or the patient's authorised representative.

• Ensuring every out-of-pocket fee levied on a patient by their treating doctor is visible to insurers (both government and Private Health Insurers) paying coverage for the treatment.

• Protecting patients from excessive or inappropriate fees imposed by specialists. Close loopholes in fee structures and introduce price controls where MBS rebates are in use.

• Expanding financial protections: Provide additional rebates or subsidies to ensure that cost is never a barrier to accessing care. 

How you can help

1. Sign this petition and join us in advocating for a fairer, more transparent healthcare system. Together, we can make healthcare affordable and accessible for all Australians. Every signature makes a difference. Let’s work together to remove financial barriers and build a healthcare system that works for everyone. 

2. Share Your Story. Have you faced unexpected or unaffordable out-of-pocket costs? Your experience matters. Share your story to help strengthen our advocacy efforts.