Regional and rural patients call for an increase to travel subsidy scheme as cost of living bites
ABCDisability pensioner Warwick McDonald has to choose between groceries or his regular trip from Blackwater in outback Queensland to Brisbane for life-sustaining medical treatment. Key points: Rural patients say the Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme rebates have not increased in 12 years Some patients say the out-of-pocket costs of receiving medical treatment mean they can not afford the basics Many patients are calling for an increase in rebates, such as $60 a night for accommodation As the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite, for those travelling to access life-saving medical treatments, it's making a tough time tougher. "I have found slightly cheaper accommodation, which can cost anything up to $179 per night, which I get $60 of that back," he said. "Then I'm required to move to Brisbane, and basically, I have to pack up enough stuff to live a life in Brisbane until the liver becomes available for me that's suitable," he said. "It's better than nothing but I guess with everything going up that maybe needs to have a review to see if there's more added to that to help families," she said.
History of this topic
Homesick Queenslanders from the country want higher healthcare travel subsidies
ABCPatients, advocates welcome travel subsidy boost but say scheme is underfunded
ABCScheme for patients needing to travel for specialist care not meeting needs of all rural patients despite overhaul, doctors say
ABCCalls for increase to Qld Patient Transport Subsidy Scheme as cost of living increases
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