AHSA & UnitingCare Qld sign-off on new agreement
23 September 2024
Australian Health Service Alliance and UnitingCare Queensland sign-off on new funding agreement
23 September 2024, Brisbane, Australia
Australian Health Service Alliance (AHSA) and UnitingCare Queensland (UnitingCare) are pleased to jointly announce today that they have reached consensus for a new funding agreement following recent negotiations.
While details of the agreement are being finalised , both parties believe the funding agreement will financially support UnitingCare’s delivery of efficient and innovative models of care and investment in modern medical technology, while helping AHSA member funds keep premiums affordable amid the rising cost of living.
Most significantly, reaching agreement will mean there is no impact, including additional out-of-pockets, to patients of AHSA member funds when attending a UnitingCare hospital.
UnitingCare CEO, Craig Barke said, “We are extremely pleased to have reached a fair and sustainable outcome with AHSA and their member funds.”
“Our strongest desire was to negotiate a new agreement to ensure patients of AHSA member funds can continue to receive quality healthcare in our hospitals, while upholding AHSA’s need to maintain premiums that keep private healthcare accessible and affordable.”
With significant pressures in the private hospital sector, Mr Barke said it is important we do not lose sight of what we are here to do – provide quality and compassionate care for our patients.
“The pressures on our industry continue to be significant, we are focused on driving efficiencies and reshaping models of care to meet the evolving needs of those we care for,” he said.
“But we must have adequate funding agreements to support us in ensuring our long-term sustainability, so that we can continue to be there to provide high quality care for the more than 140,000 patients who trust us with their healthcare each year.”
AHSA CEO, Andrew Sando, said today’s announcement demonstrates how all sides of Australia’s world-class private healthcare system continue to work together to achieve the best possible result for patients.
“As a partner to all health stakeholders – funds, hospitals, practitioners and patients – AHSA’s vision is for all sections of health to work constructively and more efficiently together towards more affordable, accessible quality care,” he said.
“AHSA and UnitingCare have worked constructively to achieve an outcome that balances the needs of the hospitals and the long-term affordability of private health cover with our member funds.”
“Our renewed, long-term agreement gives surety to the doctors and patients of AHSA member funds, and will lead to exciting opportunities for both organisations to collaborate and innovate to ensure greater access to the best models of care.”
AHSA is the largest private healthcare buying group in Australia, helping not-for-profit insurers provide the highest-quality service possible. UnitingCare operates The Wesley Hospital and St Andrew’s War Memorial Hospital in Brisbane, Buderim Private Hospital on the Sunshine Coast and St Stephen’s Hospital in Hervey Bay.
Media Inquiries:
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AHSA Media Contact
Eddie Morton
Eddie.Morton@Sandpipercomms.com
0499 700 295
About UnitingCare Queensland
UnitingCare Queensland provides aged care, disability supports, health care and crisis response in Queensland through BlueCare, Lifeline, The Wesley Hospital, St Andrew’s War Memorial Hospital, Buderim Private Hospital and St Stephen’s Hospital. And we provide community, aged care, disability and mental health support in the Northern Territory through ARRCS.
About AHSA
The Australian Health Service Alliance (AHSA) is a large, member-owned, not-for-profit service organisation. We serve small to medium not-for-profit and member owned health funds to achieve the shared goal of a quality, sustainable private health insurance industry for their members. The AHSA facilitates arrangements with healthcare providers on behalf of our funds. As a large service provider and negotiating group, our funds benefit from our collective size to achieve successful outcomes for members. Negotiation of competitive, patient-focused contracts brings value to fund members and contributes to the viability of Australia’s healthcare industry. AHSA exists for our funds and our funds exist for their members. Together, we strive for high quality private healthcare at an affordable price.