More than 10 percent of Australia’s most vulnerable people have gone without prescribed medication, due to cost, in the past 12 months, according to the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data.
ABS Head of Health Statistics Robert Long said in areas of most socio-economic disadvantage, 11 percent of people delayed, or went without prescription medication, because they could not afford it in 2023-24.
Mr Long said this was nearly double the rate of people from areas of least disadvantage (six percent).
He said more than a quarter (27 percent) of disadvantaged Australians also delayed, or did not see, a dentist when needed, due to cost.
“This was more than twice the rate of people from areas of least disadvantage, which was 11 percent.”
Mr Long said only 35 percent of people living in areas of most socio-economic disadvantage had private health insurance cover, compared to 79 percent of those living in areas of least disadvantage.
He said people living in areas of most socio-economic disadvantage were also more likely to report waiting longer than they felt acceptable for a GP or medical specialist appointment than those living in areas of least disadvantage.
“They were also less likely to have a telehealth consultation.
“On a more positive note, people living in areas of most socio-economic disadvantage were more likely to receive coordination of their care than those living in areas of least disadvantage,” Mr Long said.
