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hirmaa is holding four Members’ meetings throughout 2011.

These meetings give all hirmaa funds the opportunity to meet together, to exchange views and to hear from a range of speakers regarding issues facing the private health insurance industry.

The first of the 2011 meetings was held in Sydney in March. The meeting had a range of speakers including the Private Health Insurance Ombudsman, Sam Gavel while Alastair Wilson represented the Department of Health and Ageing. We were particularly pleased to welcome the new Commissioner of the Private Health Insurance Administration Council (PHIAC), Lynn Ralph accompanied by PHIAC’s CEO, Shaun Gath. Lynn gave a very thoughtful overview of her vision of the role of PHIAC, especially interesting given Lynn’s background in corporate governance.

The second meeting for 2011 was held in Melbourne in May. The meeting was briefed on the result of the 2011 hirmaa customer satisfaction survey conducted by Discovery Research. For a number of years, hirmaa funds have engaged in extensive customer satisfaction polling and the results this year were as good as ever. In summary;

• 98% of customers were satisfied with their health fund
• 96% of customers were satisfied with the communication from their fund
• 98% of customers were satisfied with the speed of claim payments
• 86% of customers see their health insurance as value for money

The meeting also had Shaun Gath from PHIAC speak on the main issues and priorities facing the regulator. The meeting was held only two days after the Federal Budget and there was much interest in the Government’s determination to means test the private health insurance (PHI) rebate. For a quick summary of hirmaa’s position on the proposed changes to the rebate, see our letter to Independent MP, Tony Windsor.

Also present at our May meeting was Jamie Reid of Finity Consulting. Jamie gave an excellent overview of the PHI risk equalization system operating in Australia and options for reform. We were also delighted that the President of the Australian Day Hospital Association, Jane Griffiths, was able to speak on the growth in day hospital activity.

The third meeting for 2011 was held in Brisbane on 1 September. Importantly, the Private Health Insurance Ombudsman, Samantha Gavel, launched the new hirmaa brand. This rebranding was the culmination of some very hard work within hirmaa and by the brand agency, Principals. We are delighted by the reaction and feedback we have received and see this move as a very positive step in the evolution of hirmaa. The changes to this website are evidence of the value of the exercise.

The meeting was also addressed by representatives of PHIAC and the Department of Health and Ageing as well as internal presentations. There was significant discussion about the implementation of the changes to the private health insurance rebate arrangements should the legislation be passed by Federal Parliament.

The next meeting is scheduled for Monday 5 December in Adelaide, preceding the HAMBS conference.