Insurance company suggests tax rebates for elderly

A health insurance company suggests the government provide tax rebates to elderly people who can't afford health insurance.

Accuro chief executive Bruce Morrison says a tax rebate would help over 65s better maintain their health, while offering them more health options.

He argues this would also benefit the government and economy.

"At the moment health insurance has become quite expensive particularly for people in the retired bracket, and we believe if those people were assisted we could take some of the strain off the public health system."

He says in Australia people who have health insurance get tax rebates and those who don't pay more tax.

"They quite strongly encourage health insurance in Australia and that's resulted in a significant increase in the uptake in health insurance, and I'd like to see something similar here."

Mr Morrison denies a vested interest in this scheme, and says it would only benefit members.

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