Three CPD Fellows feature prominently in Melissa Davey’s ‘Sick System, a special investigation series on private health insurance for The Guardian. CPD Fellows Ian McAuley, Jennifer Doggett and Founding Chair and Fellow John Menadue draw on their extensive research experience on Australia’s private health insurance system, arguing that the system is broken and reforms must be a priority.

The investigation explores the data behind private health providers its benefits for consumers, drawing on Ian, Jennifer and John, and other experts including Professor Graeme Samuel and Stephen Duckett. Ian and Jennifer critique the system and dispels some of the prevailing myths and misconceptions that surround private insurance in Australia. While insurance provides security and peace of mind, Ian states that purchasing private health insurance is “not a rational choice” for most Australians. They conclude that it is only worth paying top private insurance dollar if consumers are over 75, particularly unhealthy, or live a higher-risk lifestyle. Ian, Jennifer, and John comment on and dispute the statistics and findings of executives from the private health insurance industry, and argue that the reforms and review by Health Minister Susan Lay are welcome and overdue.

Read the first part of the ‘Sick System’ special investigation featuring CPD Fellows here, and the second part here.

See the most recent updates of Davey’s investigation here, including other opinion and think pieces on Australia’s private health insurance sector and responses from consumers.

Private health insurance in Australia only worth it for the pregnant,rich &v sick. Great reporting by @MelissaLDavey https://t.co/1Jc4BqnIzl

— Bridie Jabour (@bkjabour) November 16, 2016