KEY POINTS:
Low-cost health care has been given a boost with the Government announcing a further funding increase into schemes promoting cheaper primary health care.
From July 1, the Government will invest a further $2.382 million into the Very Low Cost Access (VLCA) and Zero Fees for Under Sixes (Under 6s) schemes, to support the more than 800 participating general practices and health centres.
The Ministry of Health said the extra funding would enable the participating practices to keep providing very low fees and free services for children under six.
The VLCA scheme, by which practices are rewarded for keeping their fees for standard consultations to within particular thresholds, was introduced in October 2006 to encourage primary health organisation and their practices to deliver cheaper primary health care.
The Under sixes scheme, by which practices commit to providing free standard consultations for children under six, was introduced in January.
- NZPA
