Australia's healthcare system faces rising costs and concerns

Australia's healthcare system is facing rising costs and longer wait times, prompting concerns about a shift towards a user-pays model similar to the US. Many Australians are struggling to find affordable medical care, with some GPs no longer bulk billing. The population is ageing, leading to a declining ratio of workers to retirees, which may strain public funding for healthcare. Experts suggest that private health insurance may not effectively reduce public hospital waitlists and could exacerbate inequities in access to care. Despite these challenges, legal protections in Australia prevent a complete transition to a US-style system. The public healthcare model remains distinct, with shared funding and access to services regardless of individual health status.