The government triggered community and political outrage with its (pre)budget announcement of patient contributions (copayments) for general practitioner, pathology and diagnostic imaging services. The backlash has been so strong that some commentators believe it won’t get past the senate. Interestingly some sectors have been quiet or have subtly supported the idea of copayments. And this quiet advocacy isn’t just coming from economists – the AMA is backing the concept. Read more…