Premium reductions a priority for Southern Cross

Southern Cross members voted in favour of two resolutions to investigate ways loyalty of longstanding members may be recognised, and if those members premiums could be reduced. The meeting also discussed current strategies by Southern Cross to manage claims cost - such as the Affiliated Provider programme.

"The Society's board and management recognise the huge pressure that health insurance premiums can put on retired people on fixed incomes," said chairman Graeme Hawkins.

"Those members are saying that at a time in their lives when they most need healthcare they are finding it very difficult to pay for it."

Southern Cross has held talks with various Government ministers about the idea of a tax rebate for those aged 65 years and over - a policy the Health Funds Association (HFANZ) has also been lobbying Government on.