Mental health issues have been on the rise in Australia over the past few years. The Australian government has implemented several initiatives aimed at improving access to mental health services, but recent changes to the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) have raised concerns about the impact on mental health services.
The Impact of Medicare Subsidised Sessions Reduction
One of the most significant changes to the MBS was the reduction of subsidised mental health sessions from 20 to 10, which has been criticised for limiting access to care for people who need ongoing support. Mental health advocates have argued that this change will result in people paying out-of-pocket for additional sessions or going without the support they need.
The Need for Investment in Mental Health Services
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, about 20% of Australians experience mental health issues each year, with mental health issues being the leading cause of disability in Australia. The COVID-19 pandemic is expected to cause a further rise in these numbers. Investment in mental health services is critical to meet the growing demand for mental health care.
Challenges to Accessing Mental Health Services
The reduction in subsidised sessions is not the only challenge to accessing mental health care. Long wait times for appointments with mental health professionals and a shortage of mental health professionals in Australia also limit access to care, particularly in regional and remote areas.
Government’s Commitment to Investing in Mental Health Services
The government has committed $2.3 billion in mental health services over the next four years to improve access to care. This funding will be used to create new mental health hubs and recruit more mental health professionals.
Call for Further Investment in Mental Health Services
While the government’s commitment to investment is commendable, mental health advocates argue that more needs to be done to ensure that mental health services are accessible and affordable for everyone who needs them. It is critical to invest more in mental health services to ensure that mental health care is accessible to all, regardless of where they live or their ability to pay.
What does This Mean for Employers
Employers play a crucial role in supporting the mental health of their employees. The changes to the Medicare Benefits Schedule and the growing demand for mental health services mean that employees may face barriers to accessing care. Employers can help by creating a supportive workplace culture that prioritises mental health and wellbeing, providing access to employee assistance programs (EAPs) and mental health resources, and promoting a healthy work-life balance. By investing in the mental health of their employees, employers can improve productivity, reduce absenteeism and turnover, and create a more positive and engaged workplace culture.
THE BOTTOM LINE
The mental health crisis in Australia requires urgent action from the government. While the government’s commitment to investing in mental health services is a positive step, more needs to be done to ensure that mental health services are accessible and affordable for everyone who needs them. Investing in mental health services is not only the right thing to do but is also critical for the long-term health and wellbeing of Australians.
The recent changes to the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) in Australia have raised concerns about the impact on mental health services. The reduction of subsidised mental health sessions from 20 to 10 has been criticised for limiting access to care for people who need ongoing support. Mental health advocates argue that more needs to be done to ensure that mental health services are accessible and affordable for everyone who needs them. Employers can play a crucial role in supporting the mental health of their employees by creating a supportive workplace culture that prioritises mental health and wellbeing, providing access to employee assistance programs (EAPs) and mental health resources, and promoting a healthy work-life balance.
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