Opened the debate
Butler argued that the bill would enable Australians to make informed decisions by providing clarity on medical practitioner fees and out-of-pocket costs. Butler stated that Schedule 1 would publish fee data on the Medical Costs Finder using existing government records, addressing low voluntary participation rates. Butler claimed this transparency would help patients compare providers and reduce the number of people delaying specialist care due to cost concerns. Butler also argued that Schedule 2 would close a loophole allowing insurers to launch new products at higher prices without ministerial approval, a practice known as phoenixing. Butler asserted that requiring ministerial approval for new products and premium changes would protect the 15.3 million private health insurance holders from underscrutinised price increases.