Low-priced health care advanced

A $47 million initiative to make primary health care more affordable for older New Zealanders enrolled in Primary Health Organisations (PHOs) is to be brought forward.

Originally planned for 2005-2006, the Government has decided to make low-cost primary health care more accessible a year earlier than that for New Zealanders aged 65 and over.

Professional bodies, particularly the New Zealand College of GPs, believed bringing forward funding for over 65s would be beneficial, Health Minister Annette King said yesterday.

"Not only would this help a large group of New Zealanders access more affordable primary health care, but it would sustain the momentum of PHO development."

However, a plan to reduce to $3 the maximum prescription fee for those eligible through PHOs had been moved back from October 1 to April 1, she said.

About 1.7 million people at present enrolled will now have to wait a further six months for the cheaper prescriptions.

The Pharmacy Guild believed more time was needed to plan for the change, Ms King said.

From July 1 next year all those aged over 65 and enrolled in PHOs will be eligible for low patient fees and $3 prescription charges.

PHOs are part of the Government's $400 million boost for primary health care over three years.

Visits will be free for those under 18 and $10 at most for adults during normal hours at PHOs.

More low-income earners will qualify for community service cards, giving them access to cheaper health care.

- NZPA