Almost 80,000 older Australians expected to end private health cover by 2028-29 as a result of Albanese government’s proposal

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Labor’s bid to cut the private health insurance rebate for over-65s has been blocked in parliament, with the Greens insisting they will withhold support unless pensioners receive a carve-out from the new rules.

The proposed changes, which would take effect from April 2027, would save the federal budget $3bn.