Fed: Health premiums may go up to "prevent HIH-style collapse"

AAP General News (Australia)
01-13-2004
Fed: Health premiums may go up to "prevent HIH-style collapse"

CANBERRA, Jan 13 AAP - Private health funds could be forced to increase premiums against
their will to prevent another HIH-style insurance collapse, the industry representative
said today.

The two biggest insurers, Medibank Private and MBF, have both indicated they will seek
increases this year, which get a final tick off from the government.

Labor has called on the government to force funds to drive down costs rather than allow
further premium rises.

But Australian Health Insurance Association chief executive Russell …