More bulk billing will ease the cost of living. But what Australia’s health system really needs is genuine reform | Stephen Duckett

Worrying signs are emerging about aspects of Australia ’s health system, which will require the attention of whoever wins the May election.

Despite big money pledged for Medicare and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme , only limited attention has been paid by the major parties to key reform priorities.

Policy action is necessary on five fronts: - financial barriers to care, managing chronic conditions; - mental health and dental care; - public hospitals; and - the workforce.

Health often ranks in the top three issues people say are important to them in elections.

But genuine health care reform does not attract much media attention, which means it doesn't get the profile necessary to prompt the right political promises.

The hard slog of change takes years and involves much more than a few carrots thrown to voters in an election.