Private Health Insurance Ombudsman - new powers

The Private Health Insurance Ombudsman (PHIO) was granted extended powers, including information gathering powers covering all subjects of complaints and investigations (e.g. dentists), when the Health Legislation (Private Health Insurance) Bill took effect on 1 July 2006.

As previously mentioned in ADAVB Blog posts on 27 April and 9 May, these new functions are designed to empower the PHIO to "protect the interests of people who are covered by private health insurance". In Victoria, that group makes up around 30% of the population. Health insurance companies fund around 15% of dental services across Australia each year.

A media release issued by the PHIO on 14 July, summarises the key changes and their implications.