Arabic version: الحكومة تلغي سقف خدمات الصحة المساندة للمحاربين القدامى

According to ABC News, the federal government has abandoned a proposal to cap veterans’ allied health services at $5,000 a year after pressure from veteran advocates and the Coalition.

The proposed annual monetary limit would have applied to services including physiotherapy and dentistry. Veterans could have sought additional funding by demonstrating clinical need. The May budget indicated the measure would have saved roughly $750 million over three years.

Veterans’ Affairs Minister Matt Keogh said the threshold was “off the table” after consultation raised concerns. He said the government would continue engaging with veterans and providers to improve wellbeing outcomes and protect the integrity of the system.

Department figures indicate about 10 per cent of veteran cardholders spend more than $5,000 annually on allied health care. The government had said it wanted to address over-servicing and reduce the requirement for veterans to return to a GP for a new referral every 12 allied health visits.

Independent senator Jacqui Lambie said the decision was a victory for veterans, while Opposition Leader Angus Taylor said the policy should never have been proposed. Fair Care for Veterans spokesman John Armfield said the minister had made the right call. Senator Lambie’s bill to prevent future monetary caps passed the Senate 33 votes to 19 and will proceed to the House.