Added a procedure or product to Australia's Medicare?

December 4, 2009 7:35 PM

Are there any public advocacy groups in Australia to help people with debilitating illnesses get new medical products and procedures added to Medicare?
posted by krisjohn to health & fitness (1 answer total)

Ideally you'd talk to the assocation for the illness. Like the M.S. society or Royal Blind Society. There's much weight in numbers. And that's what gets things listed. They do this all the time.

It can take years. If you have a Labor federal member they will also be very useful. Well, they should be. If you have a Liberal federal member and live in a marginal seat, then they too , will be useful.

In case the illness you're talking about doesn't have an organisation attached...Do be warned, but you probably already know.... if it's not measurable by the scientific method, it won't ever be approved. Find as much legitimate published research from reputable journals to support your requests as you possibly can.

The very best of luck.
posted by taff at 8:07 PM on December 4, 2009