Should the unvaccinated pay a higher Medicare levy?
Economist Saul Eslake has pitched the idea, arguing those who choose not to be vaccinated will statistically create higher costs for the health system
Australians who choose not to be vaccinated against COVID-19 should pay a higher Medicare levy, a leading economist says.
While the tax hike is unlikely to amount to budget repair, Saul Eslake argues the unvaccinated should make a “small contribution” to the health system and the potential burdens it faces as a result of their decisions.
“I don’t think it’s unreasonable to ask them to make a contribution to the additional costs they are imposing on other taxpayers by making that choice,” he told 2GB.
It follows calls from Bob Carr for Australia to follow Singapore’s decision to scrap free COVID-19 treatment for unvaccinated patients.
