melbourne institute report no 3 recent private health insurance policies in australia resource utilization distributive implications and policy options peter dawkins elizabeth webster sandra hopkins jongsay yong with the assistance of alfons palangkaraya 17 march 2004 published by applied economic social research university for department premier cabinet government victoria executive summary 1 proportion population covered under phi declined steadily 1990s cover age fell from 41 per cent 1992 to an all time low 30 1998 response commonwealth introduced a number important changes late early 2000s january 1999 premium rebate on both existing new was subsequently july 2000 lifetime limited type rating built into premiums objectives were increase membership thereby
