Medibank supporting knees, hips (and hip pockets) in Hervey Bay

• St Stephen’s Hospital in Hervey Bay the latest hospital to join Medibank’s No Gap Joint replacement program
• Customers to save on average $1,900 in out-of-pocket fees for hip and knee surgery
• Data shows higher rate of arthritis in Hervey Bay (16.1%) compared to national average (8.5%)

Medibank customers living in Hervey Bay now have access to its No Gap joint replacement program, with St Stephen’s Hospital the latest hospital to join the program.

Medibank’s No Gap program ensures customers are not charged any out-of-pocket costs for any of the doctors’ services in hospital for knee or hip joint replacements, providing more transparency when it comes to surgery fees.

Medibank Chief Customer Officer Milosh Milisavljevic said Medibank is looking at ways to provide customers more choice, value and control over their health.

“We’re really happy to be expanding our No Gap program to Hervey Bay, where the rates of arthritis are quite high. Arthritis and osteoarthritis are debilitating conditions, which often require surgery to help alleviate pain,” said Mr Milisavljevic.

"Our No Gap program is designed to eliminate out-of-pocket medical costs associated with a hip or knee replacement. It has saved our customers an average of $1,900 in out-of-pocket costs, which is a big saving at a time when cost of living is biting.

“Our customers also don’t have to worry about long surgery waitlists, as they do in the public sector, with almost one third of patients waiting more than 12 months for a joint replacement; they can get their surgery done soon after meeting with their surgeon."

St Stephen’s Hospital General Manager Peter Wood said the program is great news for Medibank customers living in the Wide Bay region.

“The Medibank No Gap joint replacement program is an exciting initiative because ultimately it provides an opportunity for those we care for to access the surgery they need close to home and with minimal wait time,” Peter said.

“It also means patients can seek treatment and focus on their recovery without the added worry of additional costs. We welcome the opportunity to help get our patients back on their feet and doing what they love sooner.”

To find out more about the program and to check their eligibility, customers visit https://www.medibank.com.au/health-support/health-services/joint/ or call 1300 733 338.