Health Insurance Commission Act 1973

Coat of Arms of Australia

Health Insurance Commission Act 1973 was an important piece of legislation passed by the Parliament of Australia that established the Health Insurance Commission (HIC), a body responsible for administering Australia's national health insurance program, which later evolved into what is known today as Medicare. The Act represented a significant development in the Australian healthcare system, aiming to provide better health access and insurance coverage for all Australians.

Overview

The Health Insurance Commission Act 1973 laid the groundwork for the establishment of the HIC, which was tasked with the administration of the national health insurance scheme. This scheme was designed to ensure that all Australians had access to affordable healthcare services, marking a pivotal shift towards a more equitable system of health care in Australia.

Key Provisions

The Act contained several key provisions aimed at facilitating the effective administration of the national health insurance program. These included the establishment of the HIC as the governing body responsible for overseeing the implementation of the program, as well as provisions related to the funding, operation, and management of the health insurance scheme.

Impact

The implementation of the Health Insurance Commission Act 1973 had a profound impact on the Australian healthcare landscape. It not only led to the creation of the HIC but also paved the way for the introduction of Medicare in 1984, a program that expanded upon the foundations laid by the Act to provide universal health coverage to all Australian citizens and permanent residents.

Legacy

The legacy of the Health Insurance Commission Act 1973 is evident in the continued operation of Medicare, which remains a cornerstone of the Australian healthcare system. The Act is remembered as a critical step towards the establishment of a more inclusive and accessible healthcare system in Australia.

See Also

• Medicare
• Healthcare in Australia
• Parliament of Australia