David Coleman (Banks, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention) Share this | Hansard source

I thank all members for their contributions to the debate on this Private Health Insurance Legislation Amendment (Age of Dependants) Bill 2021.

Under this bill, the maximum age of dependants for private health insurance policies will be increased from 24 to 31 years. Insurers will be able to offer policies with no age limit for dependants with a disability. These are great outcomes for Australian families that are looking for ways to continue to assist with the health care of their children. Younger adults will be able to stay on their parents' private health insurance policies for longer, at a time when many young adults may otherwise consider opting out of private health. It'll be easier for adults to transition from being on their parents' cover to buying their own when the provisions of Lifetime Health Cover commence. People with a disability will be provided with the flexibility to access more affordable private health insurance without age limits, as they can be covered under a family policy at no or low cost rather than purchase a standalone policy.

This reform benefits young Australians and Australians with a disability, but it also helps everyone with private health insurance, because, by increasing participation, it will contribute to improving the affordability and sustainability of private health care. I commend the bill to the House.

Question agreed to.

Bill read a second time.

Message from the Governor-General recommending appropriation announced.

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