Page 1767 - Week 07 - Tuesday, 29 May 1990

MINISTER FOR HEALTH, EDUCATION AND THE ARTS

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTION

Nursing Home Fees

QUESTION NO. 107

MR BERRY - Asked the Minister for Health, Education and the Arts on notice on 27 March 1990:

1. Why has the practice of charging pensioners in nursing home beds

in ACT hospitals a maximum of 85% of their pension changed.

2. Will you undertake to reinstate the former practice so that the frail aged in our city are not further disadvantaged.

MR HUMPHRIES - The answer to Mr Berrys question is as follows:

There has not been a change in recent years in the practice of charging pensioners in nursing home beds in ACT public hospitals.

These pensioners continue to be charged a patient contribution of 87.5% of the sum of the standard rate pension plus maximum rental assistance.

As the same proportion is charged in all other States and Territories, pensioners in the ACT are not disadvantaged.

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