The June issue of the ACCESS eNewsletter is now available.  You need to be a member to access this (please click here to become a member if you aren't already one).

As you may have heard, the Government's budget announcement has indicated there will be caps to a number of Medicare Benefits Schedule numbers in relation to assisted reproductive technology (ART).

ACCESS is seeking clarity on the Government's proposed changes, which could mean that only the rich will be able to access IVF in the future.

We believe any changes will come into effect from 1st January 2010.  The Government has indicated it plans to work with professional bodies to review the changes and ACCESS has meetings scheduled with the Federal Health Minister’s Office and her Department.

We will be consulting with the Government on the setting of patient rebates and the impact they may have on the various patient groups throughout Australia.

Senator Nick Xenophon has called for a Senate enquiry into the Safety Net.  He has taken on our cause and held a media briefing at Parliament House in Canberra this week. 

ACCESS members Peta and Brien (with their two-year-old daughter Emily) participated with Dr John McBain, ACCESS Medical Director and Head of Reproductive Services at the Royal Women’s Hospital in Melbourne.  Some of you will have seen the media coverage.

MEMBER NUMBER:

PASSWORD: