A thorough going over: evidence for health assessments for older persons

Measures to enhance primary health care were announced in the 1999-2000 Budget. Funding of up to $228 million will be spent on initiatives that focus on prevention and better co-ordination of care, particularly for older Australians and those with chronic illnesses. As part of these initiatives, the Government will introduce new Medicare Benefits items to provide annual health assessments for all people aged 75 years and over; and care planning and case conferenciing people with chronic and complex care needs. Funding of up to $44 million will be spent on annual health assessments over the next four years.