The Private Health Insurance Ombudsman [1] was an Australian Government agency which acted independently of the government in investigating complaints involving private health insurance and reporting. [2] The role and functions of the office are contained in Sections 230–256 of the Private Health Insurance Act 2007. [3]
Role and functions
The office protected the interests of people who are covered by private health insurance [4] [5] by investigating complaints and assisting in the resolution of complaints. [6] It also published independent information about private health insurance and the performance of health funds. [7] According to the Australian Government's website, the ombudsman "provides private health insurance members with an independent service for health insurance problems and enquiries." [8]
The office stated that it expected to fulfill this role by handling complaints in a high quality manner; by providing information and advice to consumers; and by providing information, advice, and recommendations to the Government. [9]
History
Originally, the Private Health Insurance Ombudsman was established on 4 March 1996 as the Private Health Insurance Complaints Commission (PHICC). [10] The name was changed in 1998. [11]
On 1 July 2015, the Private Health Insurance Ombudsman merged with the Commonwealth Ombudsman, as part of the smaller government measures in the 2014 federal budget. [12]
Ombudsman officeholders
Samantha Gavel was appointed Ombudsman on 1 April 2008 for a three-year term. [13] Gavel held the position until she was appointed National Health Practitioner Ombudsman and Privacy Commissioner in January 2015. [14] David McGregor was appointed acting Private Health Insurance Ombudsman until 30 June 2015, when the Private Health Insurance Ombudsman was merged with the Commonwealth Ombudsman. [12]
See also
References
- ^ Private Health Insurance Ombudsman (PHIO)
- ^ Health Directory
- ^ Private Health Insurance Act 2007
- ^ Statement of Expectations from Australian Minister of Health Nicola Roxon, 25 May 2009
- ^ Statement of Intent from Samantha Gavel, 9 July 2009, in response to Nicola Roxon's Statement of Expectations
- ^ Private Health Insurance Administration Council website, retrieved 20 February 2012
- ^ PHIO's Annual Reports Archived 2016-01-06 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Australian Government site
- ^ Statement of Intent, 9 July 2009
- ^ Australian Senate: THE REVIEW OF THE HEALTH LEGISLATION (PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE REFORM) AMENDMENT ACT 1995
- ^ 1999-2000 Budget Department of Health & Ageing Outcome 3
- ^ a b Appointment of Acting Private Health Insurance Ombudsman
- ^ Media Release: Minister for Health & Ageing
- ^ Samantha Gavel, current PHIO has been appointed National Health Practitioner Ombudsman and Privacy Commissioner
