The Future of Medicare: Research-informed policy for better access and health

The Future of Medicare: Research-informed policy for better access and health

Wednesday 19 June
9.30am – 5.00pm
National Portrait Gallery, Canberra

A conference marking the 40th anniversary of Medicare

Since its inception in 1984, Medicare has faced numerous challenges such as increasing costs, population ageing, and the growing burden of chronic disease. To meet such challenges, continuous improvement and reform of Medicare is essential. This symposium offered an opportunity to explore how research can inform ongoing policy to modernise Medicare. The blueprint for Medicare was designed using groundbreaking academic research on out-of-pocket costs and health insurance by John Deeble and Dick Scotton in the late 1960s. Building on this legacy, this symposium aimed to highlight the central role that research should play in the design of modern health policy to improve access and wellbeing.

This one-day symposium was organised by the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia in partnership with the Australian Health Economics Society and with support of the Independent Health and Aged Care Pricing Authority (IHACPA).

Download and view the program here.

Download and view the presenter slides here.

Download the Summary Report here.