'No one teaches you how it works': Medicare a mystery for many

Australians are celebrating 40 years of the universal healthcare system Medicare - but many of them don't understand how it works. That's according to a group of health experts who are urging the government to roll out a public education program and improve the country's Medicare literacy.

A mock up of the new Medicare card is seen before Minister for Health Mark Butler at a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra, Monday, January 29, 2024. (AAP Image/Mick Tsikas) Source: AAP / MICK TSIKAS/AAPIMAGE

Key Points

• Medicare is turning 40 this year, and to celebrate, the government has launched a special commemorative card.
• Peak bodies representing healthcare consumers and medical professionals say the government should fund a public education program about Australia's healthcare system.
• Last year, the proportion of people who delayed or did not see a GP because of the cost rose to 30 per cent, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.