The last diocese-owned hospital in Australia has something to tell the Parliament

Peter Fahey, the chief executive of St Vincent’s Private Lismore, told a Senate committee in Canberra that proposed changes to private health insurance could significantly impact regional healthcare. Speaking before the committee in September, Fahey noted that a large majority of admissions and bed days at the hospital are for patients over the age of 65, three quarters of whom hold private health insurance.

The Senate is considering a measure to remove the age-based loading on the private health insurance rebate for Australians over 65 starting in April 2027. While government modeling suggests approximately 44,000 people nationwide will drop their coverage, Fahey argued that national averages do not reflect the reality for regional areas like the Northern Rivers.

St Vincent’s Private Lismore expects to lose between 1,200 and 1,800 privately insured patients annually due to the change. This loss is projected to reduce the hospital's revenue by between $2.6 million and $3.9 million. Catholic Health Australia has also submitted a response to the proposal.