Labor & Liberals both promise subsidised MRIs available to Breast Cancer Women
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/mar/29/both-major-parties-commit-to-extra-funding-for-breast-cancer-mri-scans
Both major parties commit to extra funding for breast cancer MRI scans
Morrison government to announce $32.6m in next week’s budget while Labor pledges $47m if it wins election
Women with breast cancer have secured commitments from both the major parties for additional funding for MRI scans – $32.6m from the Morrison government coming in next week’s budget, and $47m from Labor if it wins in May.
The Coalition will use next Tuesday’s budget to create two new Medicare items for MRI of the breast, to be available from 1 November 2019, scans that will enable more accurate diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.
If Bill Shorten wins the coming election, Labor is promising to “work with experts” to finalise the design of the new Medicare items that will allow subsidies for scans.
“As a result, thousands of women are being charged up to $1,500 in out-of-pocket costs for the scans used to diagnose their cancer, decide on treatment and ensure cancer does not return,” the Labor leader said.
The government says creating the Medicare items will benefit 14,000 patients a year.
