The Private Health Insurance OmbudsmanPrivate Health Insurance Ombudsman (PHIO) was an Australian Government agency which acted independently of the government in investigating complaints involving private health insurance and reporting.Health Directory The role and functions of the office are contained in Sections 230–256 of the Private Health Insurance Act 2007.Private Health Insurance Act 2007
Role and functions The office protected the interests of people who are covered by private health insuranceStatement of Expectations from Australian Minister of Health Nicola Roxon, 25 May 2009Statement of Intent from Samantha Gavel, 9 July 2009, in response to Nicola Roxon's Statement of Expectations by investigating complaints and assisting in the resolution of complaints.Private Health Insurance Administration Council website, retrieved 20 February 2012 It also published independent information about private health insurance and the performance of health funds.PHIO's Annual Reports According to the Australian Government's website, the ombudsman "provides private health insurance members with an independent service for health insurance problems and enquiries."Australian Government site
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.Statement of Intent, 9 July 2009
History Originally, the Private Health Insurance Ombudsman was established on 4 March 1996 as the Private Health Insurance Complaints Commission (PHICC).Australian Senate: THE REVIEW OF THE HEALTH LEGISLATION (PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE REFORM) AMENDMENT ACT 1995 The name was changed in 1998.1999-2000 Budget Department of Health & Ageing Outcome 3
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.Appointment of Acting Private Health Insurance Ombudsman
Ombudsman officeholders Samantha Gavel was appointed Ombudsman on 1 April 2008 for a three-year term.Media Release: Minister for Health & Ageing Gavel held the position until she was appointed National Health Practitioner Ombudsman and Privacy Commissioner in January 2015.Samantha Gavel, current PHIO has been appointed National Health Practitioner Ombudsman and Privacy Commissioner 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.
See also Healthcare in Australia
References
External links Private Health Insurance Ombudsman Website PrivateHealth.gov.au