More warnings on Australian Medicare changes

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The Australian Government is facing fresh warnings that planned changes to the Medicare surcharge threshold will increase public hospital waiting lists by 200,000.

Catholic Health Australia says it's reached the figure by analysing private health insurance data, and the Government's Treasury estimate that the changes will lead 485,000 people to drop private cover.

The legislation to raise the threshold is currently before a Senate committee.

But the group's Chief Executive, Martin Laverty says an increase in public waiting lists will affect low income earners the most, and the government should reconsider the changes.

"We don't think the proposal to lift the threshold from $AU50,000 to $100,000 for individuals or to $150,000 for couples is appropriate," Mr Laverty said.

"We've asked the Government to give reconsideration to the needs of low-income earners around Australia because after all, it was low-income earners that this change in threshold was actually meant to help."