Fears ACC changes will hurt those most in need

Rotorua health professionals are concerned about a review of ACC's physiotherapy cover, which they say could see those most in need unable to afford treatment.
The present system, which involves 90 per cent of the country's physiotherapists, was introduced in 2004. It has been funded by the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) and covers treatment costs for accidental injury.
That arrangement will end in November and a new system will be introduced which will require some payment by those who need physiotherapy.
It's not yet known how much that patient payment will be but local health professionals are worried it will be too much for some.
The decision to abolish the system came after the full extent of an ACC budget blowout came to light in March.
 ACC Minister Nick Smith said then the ACC had liabilities of $21.87 billion and assets of $10 billion, meaning if it was a commercial insurer it would be insolvent.
Rotorua Area Primary Health Services chairman Dr Des Epp fears the new system will put treatment out of the reach of those most in need.
"Low-income workers, especially those who do heavy lifting, are likely to be the ones who need physiotherapy - and they won't be able to pay for it," Dr Epp said.
Labelling the Government's move as "short sighted", Dr Epp said he was concerned those who failed to get physiotherapy would run the risk of re-injury, which would cost more for the taxpayer in the long run.
Compounding the issue, those off work because of injury are entitled to just 80 per cent of their regular wage.
From November, workers in this category will need to cover physiotherapy costs with 20 per cent less income at their disposal.
Rotorua General Practice Group chief executive Kirsten Stone said a fee of any size was a barrier to accessing health services for many people and introducing fees for physiotherapy previously paid for through ACC could affect those most in need.
Physiotherapists are also unhappy and say just how much patients will be charged once the new system comes into effect has yet to be confirmed.
"ACC haven't told us anything. That's the hard bit. They have not said what we are going to be allowed to charge," said Antony Croucher, practice principal at The Physiotherapy Clinic.

Mr Croucher said his company's three Rotorua clinics saw 240 new injuries in June alone, and taking funding away could be a "roadblock" for people needing treatment.
"It's certainly a concern, but it's massively unknown," he said.
The clinic charged private, non-accident patients $45 for a 40-minute initial consultation and a 20-minute follow up.
"If the surcharge ends up being $2, then there will probably be no difference, but if we end up getting no funding at all, that could make a massive difference. We just don't know where we are."