The Wire

The house of representatives looks set to pass a bill that will apply a means test to the private health insurance rebate. Up until now, the federal government has helped people pay for private health insurance, regardless of their income level.

The opposition says that people whose rebates are being wound back will now flee back to the public system. But the government says that wealthier Australians can afford to pay for their own private insurance.The Greens struck a deal with the government a short time ago to support the reforms, in return for new spending on dental health.