Older People’s Experiences of Healthcare Affordability and Accessibility

The cost of healthcare in Australia and questions about access to GPs and other health service providers have been sore points in Australian public policy for many years. Growing costs to patients and worsening inaccessibility of health services are especially problematic for older people, many of whom face multiple health problems as they age, and shrinking bank balances as they move from work to retirement. This report is based on a survey of almost 6000 people aged 50+ and living in Australia about their experiences with healthcare affordability and accessibility. The survey was conducted in early 2023, at a time in history when the cost of living and housing in Australia has soared, putting people of less means at even greater disadvantage, and forcing some people to choose between healthcare and other necessary costs.