Announced on Thursday, October 15, the proposal would see the strengthening of the Victorian Patient Transport Assistance Scheme, if the Victorian Coalition forms government following the November state election.
State Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland said families across the region should not be left thousands of dollars out of pocket because the specialist care they needed was not available close to home.
“For people across our region, getting the medical care they need can mean hours on the road, overnight accommodation and time away from work and family,” Ms Cleeland said.
“When you are already dealing with a serious illness or supporting someone you love through treatment, the last thing you should have to worry about it how you are going to pay for the trip.
“Whether it is travelling to Melbourne for cancer treatment, specialist appointments or surgery, these costs add up quickly, and the current subsidies have not kept pace with the cost of living.”
Under the plan, accommodation assistance would increase from $49.50 to $125 per night, while private vehicle travel assistance would rise from 21 cents to 35 cents per kilometre.
For a patient requiring 10 nights of eligible accommodation and 600km of travel, the changes could provide an additional $839 in financial assistance.
Benalla resident Merryn Howell has twice had to relocate to Melbourne for blood cancer treatment and knows firsthand how quickly the costs of accessing specialist care can compound.
“When you’re facing treatment hundreds of kilometres from home, the last thing you should be worrying about is whether you can afford a bed for the night,” Ms Howell said.
“This supporting will make a real difference.”
Ms Cleeland said the proposed changes would provide practical relief for patients and families across the Euroa electorate who faced significant travel costs to access specialist care.
“Living in regional Victoria should not mean paying more just to get the healthcare you need,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Families are already managing enough when someone is unwell. They should not be forced to dip into savings, take on debt or put extra pressure on the household budget just to get an appointment.
“Regional patients deserve access to quality healthcare, regardless of their postcode, and that means recognising the additional costs that come with living further away from major hospitals.”
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