More older Australians will have access to cheaper medications and healthcare thanks to changes to the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card from 1 July 2022. 

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt welcomed today’s commitment which will help ease cost of living pressures for seniors. 

“We’ve cut the fuel excise in half, provided one-off $250 payments hitting bank accounts now, the $420 cost-of-living tax offset and now we are helping seniors even more,” Mr Pitt said. 

“A re-elected Morrison Government will increase the income test threshold for singles to around $90,000 and for couples $144,000, which means more people – including self-funded retirees – will be able to access a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card. 

“This card gives access to cheaper medications under the PBS and healthcare, and seniors may also be eligible for state and local government savings such as discounted rates, electricity and gas bills, dental and eye care.  

“Today’s commitment will support approximately 9,600 additional people in Queensland. 

“In addition, we announced that a re-elected Morrison Government will cut the price of medications listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme by $10 per script from January 1 next year. 

“There are approximately 40,700 people aged 65 and over across the Bundaberg and Hervey Bay region and around 30,000 people receive the aged pension.” 

Currently, more than 436,000 Australians aged over 67 years who are not already receiving a pension or benefit have a Seniors Health Card. The income threshold change will mean more than 486,000 would be eligible, an 11 per cent increase. 

“These are the people that worked hard and fought to make Australia the great nation it is today, and we are taking care of them,” Mr Pitt said. 

“We are able to provide this additional support due to Australia’s economy being in a strong position and it will continue to strengthen. 

“Now is not the time to risk our economy and future. A vote for anyone other than the LNP is a vote for a weak Labor-Greens Albanese-led Government.”