Medical costs cripple struggling Aussies

More than one in 10 Australians living in disadvantaged areas had delayed, or went without, prescription medication when needed because costs are too high.

On Monday, the Australian Bureau of Statistics released new data suggesting that 11 per cent of Australians living in areas of socio-economic disadvantage had gone without getting their prescribed medication due to costs – nearly double the rate of people from least-disadvantaged areas (six per cent).

Data further revealed that more than a quarter (27 per cent) have delayed or skipped seeing a dentist due to the high costs, which is more than twice the rate of those who live in areas with least disadvantage (11 per cent).

The same can be said for private health insurance cover.

“Only 35 per cent of people living in areas of most socio-economic disadvantage had private health insurance cover, compared to 79 per cent of those living in areas of least disadvantage,” said ABS head of health statistics Robert Long.

Data suggested that 66.4 per cent of Australians could always see their GP when needed, though those living in areas with socio-economic disadvantages are also more likely to report longer waiting periods for a GP or medical specialist appointment than others, and less likely to have telehealth consultations.

Mr Long added “on a more positive note”, those living in disadvantaged areas were more likely to “receive co-ordination of their care than those living in areas of least disadvantage”.

According to a 2016 ABS report, the most disadvantaged local government areas of Australia are in Queensland and in the Northern Territory.

On average, the majority of those living in the most disadvantaged areas in Australia were young and renting properties, usually living with lower incomes and lower rental costs.

By comparison, the most advantaged places in Australia are located around the north and eastern suburbs around Sydney Harbour and in coastal Perth, where the average residents are middle-aged with high levels of education, working in skilled occupations with higher incomes.