Retirees win reprieve from govt plan to axe health cards
Thousands of retirees have won a reprieve from controversial Federal
Government moves to axe their Commonwealth Seniors’ Health Cards.
“This is a victory for older Australians,” Federal Member for Tangney Dennis Jensen said Monday, after the government withdrew legislation which would have seen 22,000 seniors lose the cards.
“The government has finally heard the voice of our seniors, and they pulled the plug rather than face defeat.”
The plan called for superannuation income to be assessed from July 1 when determining eligibility for the cards, which give retirees major savings on medicine and a wide range of other goods and services.
Dr Jensen has campaigned against the measure since it was first floated last year, and more than 3,000 Tangney seniors signed cards distributed by his office to condemn the Rudd government’s treatment of the elderly in light of the plan.
He has repeatedly spoken in parliament in support of older citizens, and in the debate of the bill last week blasted the government for its treatment of the elderly.
“This battle may have been won, though the government may still try to slip the plan through parliament at a later date,” added Dr Jensen.
“And the war against this government’s contemptuous treatment of the elderly most certainly goes on.”
The government’s withdrawal of a bill for the plan last Friday came as evidence mounted that it did not have the numbers to pass the legislation.
At present, seniors are entitled to the health card if they earn less than $50,000 as a single, or $80,00 as a couple per annum, not including superannuation income.
“This issue has shown how important it is that we are all aware of changes in rules and regulations affecting us,” Dr Jensen said.
“This plan was buried in last year’s budget and only came to light when an astute financial adviser told a local couple about it.
“There have been other recent changes regarding superannuation, some of which could be beneficial to older citizens. The key is to be aware of the changes and to get good advice.”
Dr Jensen suggested seniors contact Centrelink’s financial information service on 13 2300, or seek independent private sector advice.
“My office can also help by providing copies of the Ageing Information Pack, which covers a broad range of issues including finance, care, health, employment, services and rights,” he said.
“Please contact my office on 9354 9633 for further information.”
“This is a victory for older Australians,” Federal Member for Tangney Dennis Jensen said Monday, after the government withdrew legislation which would have seen 22,000 seniors lose the cards.
“The government has finally heard the voice of our seniors, and they pulled the plug rather than face defeat.”
The plan called for superannuation income to be assessed from July 1 when determining eligibility for the cards, which give retirees major savings on medicine and a wide range of other goods and services.
Dr Jensen has campaigned against the measure since it was first floated last year, and more than 3,000 Tangney seniors signed cards distributed by his office to condemn the Rudd government’s treatment of the elderly in light of the plan.
He has repeatedly spoken in parliament in support of older citizens, and in the debate of the bill last week blasted the government for its treatment of the elderly.
“This battle may have been won, though the government may still try to slip the plan through parliament at a later date,” added Dr Jensen.
“And the war against this government’s contemptuous treatment of the elderly most certainly goes on.”
The government’s withdrawal of a bill for the plan last Friday came as evidence mounted that it did not have the numbers to pass the legislation.
At present, seniors are entitled to the health card if they earn less than $50,000 as a single, or $80,00 as a couple per annum, not including superannuation income.
“This issue has shown how important it is that we are all aware of changes in rules and regulations affecting us,” Dr Jensen said.
“This plan was buried in last year’s budget and only came to light when an astute financial adviser told a local couple about it.
“There have been other recent changes regarding superannuation, some of which could be beneficial to older citizens. The key is to be aware of the changes and to get good advice.”
Dr Jensen suggested seniors contact Centrelink’s financial information service on 13 2300, or seek independent private sector advice.
“My office can also help by providing copies of the Ageing Information Pack, which covers a broad range of issues including finance, care, health, employment, services and rights,” he said.
“Please contact my office on 9354 9633 for further information.”
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