Private Health Insurance Ombudsman

The Private Health Insurance Ombudsman[1] is an Australian Government agency but acts independently of the Government in dealing with complaints and reporting.[2] The role and functions of the office are contained in Sections 230- 256 of the Private Health Insurance Act.[3]

Role and functions

The office protects the interests of people who are covered by private health insurance by investigating complaints and assisting in the resolution of complaints.[4] It also publishes independent information about private health insurance and the performance of health funds.[5] According to the Australian Government's website, the ombudsman "provides private health insurance members with an independent service for health insurance problems and enquiries."[6]

The office is a government agency whose main role is to protect the interests of people covered by private health insurance.[7] The office is committed to that role.[8]

The office has stated that it expects 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

The office was originally called the Private Health Insurance Complaints Commission (PHICC) and was established on 4 March 1996.[10] The name was changed to Private Health Insurance Ombudsman in 1998 [11]

Ombudsman officeholders

Ms Samantha Gavel was appointed Ombudsman on 1 April 2008 for a three-year term.[12] As of February 2012, Ms. Gavel still holds the office.[13]

Notes and references

  1. ↑ Private Health Insurance Ombudsman (PHIO)
  2. ↑ Health Directory
  3. ↑ Private Health Insurance Act
  4. ↑ Private Health Insurance Administration Council website, retrieved 20 February 2012
  5. ↑ PHIO's Annual Reports
  6. ↑ Australian Government site
  7. ↑ Statement of Expectations from Australian Minister of Health Nicola Roxon, 25 May 2009
  8. ↑ Statement of Intent from Samantha Gavel, 9 July 2009, in response to Nicola Roxon's Statement of Expectations
  9. ↑ Statement of Intent, 9 July 2009
  10. ↑ Australian Senate: THE REVIEW OF THE HEALTH LEGISLATION (PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE REFORM) AMENDMENT ACT 1995
  11. ↑ 1999-2000 Budget Department of Health & Ageing Outcome 3
  12. ↑ Media Release: Minister for Health & Ageing
  13. ↑ Ombudsman's website, retrieved 20 February 2012

External links

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