The geographic distribution of private health insurance in Australia in 2001

摘要: Private health insurance has been a major focus of Commonwealth Government policy for the last decade. Over this period, Howard government introduced number changes which impacted on take up private insurance. The most expensive these was introduction rebate in 1997, had an estimated cost $3 billion per annum. This article uses information geographic distribution population with cover to identify associations between rates and socioeconomic status. analysis is repeated survey data expenditure insurance, provide estimate flowing different groups. highlights strong association high status shows substantial transfer funds, under rebate, those living areas highest status, compared lower particular disadvantaged areas. also provides estimates by federal electorate, emphasising gaps Liberal Party Australian Labor seats. concludes discussing implications uneven across Australia formation. In particular, study that prevalence unevenly distributed Australia, marked differences rural urban areas, Policy formation needs into account. Evaluating potential impact requires more nuanced consideration than implied rhetoric about over