Leading economist proposes Medicare hike for the unvaccinated

A leading economist has backed slugging voluntarily un-vaxxed people with a higher Medicare bill due to their “higher burden” on the healthcare system.

A leading economist has backed the idea of charging voluntarily unvaccinated people with increased Medicare fees, due to the higher likelihood they’ll require intensive care treatment if they contract Covid.

Speaking to the Sydney Morning Herald, independent economist Saul Eslake said this is just one approach the Government could take to recoup the immense financial toll Covid-19 has made on the healthcare system.

“Non-vaccinated people could pay a higher Medicare levy in the same way as those who earn above a certain level have to pay more if they don’t have private health,” he said.

“If they choose not to be vaccinated that’s their choice, but it imposes a higher burden on the medical system.”

Economist Saul Eslake suggested unvaccinated people pay more in Medicare fees, such as in their annual Medicare levy. Picture: Supplied

Singapore’s Ministry of Health has already taken a similar approach.

Citizens who are unvaccinated by choice will not have their Covid-related medical bills paid for my government healthcare. This is due to the fact unvaccinated citizens disproportionately represented the amount of patients who required intensive care.

However unvaccinated residents can still access healthcare financing arrangements and relevant subsidies if needed.

“Currently, unvaccinated persons make up a sizeable majority of those who require intensive inpatient care, and disproportionately contribute to the strain on our healthcare resources,” a Ministry of Health statement said.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, however, has dismissed the idea of excess fees or monetary penalties on the unvaccinated.

“Australia’s vaccine rollout is voluntary and has been highly successful with more than 86 per cent of Australians getting both jabs to protect themselves, their families and their communities,” he said.

“The Government’s economic plan is focused on delivering lower taxes, more jobs and growing the economy to guarantee the essential services Australians rely on and secure the recovery.”

All Australians aged 12 years old and over are currently eligible for a Covid vaccine. Picture: Jeff Pachoud/AFP

Proportionally, unvaccinated people who contract Covid are much more likely to require intensive care treatment and are at a greater risk of dying from the virus. This comes as 86.7 per cent of Australians over the age of 16 have been fully vaccinated, with children 12 and over also eligible for the Spikevac (Moderna) jab.

Last Tuesday Victoria’s chief health officer, Brett Sutton, blasted unvaccinated residents after the state recorded 19 deaths, 17 who were unvaccinated.

“There are legitimate reasons why a few individuals can’t be vaccinated, but 17 of 19 had no vaccines recorded. Entirely preventable,” he tweeted.

“To all those who are yet to be vaccinated, please consider what it might mean for you or at-risk individuals anywhere.”