Regional Australians living with macular degeneration have welcomed a decision by Health Minister Mark Butler to reverse plans to reclassify intravitreal eye injections (IVI) as out-of-hospital services.
The proposed change would have meant patients receiving the injections in private hospitals could no longer claim the procedure under their private health insurance.
Cowper MP Pat Conaghan, who has raised the issue with the government since January 2025, said the reversal would bring relief to many regional patients who rely on the treatment.
“This decision has been a long time coming and a nervous wait for the thousands of regional residents with macular degeneration who rely on these regular injections to maintain their sight,” Conaghan stated.
“Last year, concerned constituents contacted me asking for urgent help as they had been informed by their private health insurance providers that they would no longer be able to claim their monthly injections at private hospitals and clinics, forcing them pay thousands of dollars out of pocket every year. Private clinics are often the only option for the procedure in regional settings, meaning this policy would disproportionately punish regional patients needing treatment.”
“Thankfully, the Minister answered my call at that time and promised to delay the decision by 12 months while consultations could be held. That was a win in the short term for regional patients but left them in limbo.”
“With 3 months left on the clock and no decision handed down, we reactivated the campaign to force the Minister to make the call and end the torturous wait.”
“On Wednesday, I took the fight once again to the floor of Parliament, calling on the Minister not to make regional patients choose between going blind and going broke. And by Friday afternoon, the decision was reversed.”
“I will always fight for a fair go for every regional Australian and I thank the Minister for his consideration and for reversing this decision. I know there will hundreds of relieved constituents in Cowper breathing a sigh of relief! I would like to thank every one of them who helped me take the fight to the Minister’s office and secure this win.”
North Coast Times is new! Connect with us by sending press releases to newsdesk@nctimes.com.au or enquire about advertising with us by emailing ads@nctimes.com.au.