AUSactive welcomes natural therapies being considered for Health Fund rebate reinstatement

AUSactive has welcomed the latest recommendations from the Federal Government’s Natural Therapies Review, which supports the re-inclusion of key modalities such as Pilates, yoga and Tai Chi for private health insurance rebates.

Since 1st April 2019, 16 natural therapies have been excluded from eligibility for the Private Health Insurance Rebate, following a 2015 review which found insufficient clinical evidence to support their inclusion.

However, under the leadership of Professor Michael Kidd, the Natural Therapies Review Expert Advisory Panel has reassessed the available evidence and recommended that Pilates, yoga and Tai Chi be reinstated as rebate-eligible natural therapies, alongside several other selected modalities.

Advising that the outcome marks a significant advocacy win for AUSactive and its members across the country, AUSactive Chief Executive, Barrie Elvish stated “this is a terrific result not just for our members, but for the broader Australian community that benefits from access to natural therapies like Pilates, yoga and Tai Chi.

“We’ve long championed the inclusion of these evidence-based practices in our national health system, and the recognition from Professor Kidd and the Advisory Panel is a strong step in the right direction.”

AUSactive has played an active role as a key stakeholder in the Natural Therapies Review process, providing a range of peer-reviewed research, practitioner insights and policy input to make the case for re-inclusion.

Elvish noted “we provided substantial evidence to show the value of modalities like Pilates, yoga and Tai Chi, not just in terms of physical fitness, but in supporting mobility, mental health, and overall quality of life.

“The primary goal was to see the reversal of the 2015 decision and to reinstate health fund rebates for natural therapies that contribute meaningfully to Australians' physical and mental wellbeing.”

 The Natural Therapies Review assessed 16 therapies, with seven including Tai Chi, yoga and Pilates now recommended for re-inclusion in private health insurance rebates.

 AUSactive is strongly encouraging Federal Health Minister Mark Butler, to support these recommendations and endorse their formal implementation.

Elvish went on to say “we urge Minister Butler to take action and implement these recommendations expeditiously.

“These modalities align with the government’s broader goals around preventative health and by making them more accessible through private health insurance they will deliver meaningful benefits for Australians of all ages.”

AUSactive will continue to advocate for greater recognition and support of evidence-based natural therapies as part of a broader, integrated approach to health and wellness.