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Recent research highlights a troubling disparity in healthcare spending between men and women, despite Australia’s universal health insurance scheme, Medicare, which provides access to a wide range of health services at little or no cost. The study shows that while overall healthcare spending may be similar, women are significantly more likely to spend a higher proportion of their income on healthcare, and are also more likely to delay or skip necessary medical care due to cost concerns.
Why the Gender Gap?
The data suggests that women’s greater out-of-pocket healthcare costs are linked to a higher prevalence of chronic health conditions. Women tend to live longer than men but are often burdened with multiple chronic conditions, including autoimmune diseases, which require ongoing medical attention. Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis affect women disproportionately, contributing to their higher healthcare needs.
Further compounding this issue, women are also more likely to experience delayed diagnoses and treatments. Studies show that women often wait longer for diagnoses of long-term chronic diseases. In fact, it can take between six and eight years to diagnose endometriosis in Australia, a condition affecting one in seven women by age 49. The delay results in increased healthcare costs as patients consult multiple specialists over time.
Reproductive Health Needs Add to Financial Strain
The research also points to the significant financial burden women face due to reproductive health conditions. From chronic pelvic pain to menopause, women often need specialized care that is not fully covered by Medicare. Conditions like endometriosis and severe period pain disrupt daily life and may require surgical intervention. Despite these needs, Medicare rebates for related procedures such as pelvic ultrasound are less generous compared to male-related services.
Additionally, women’s healthcare costs are exacerbated by the need for prescription medications, which they require at higher rates than men due to chronic conditions. Over 60% of women receive prescriptions, compared to just 37% of men. The gap is further underscored by the fact that a higher percentage of women report delaying or forgoing medication because of the cost.
The Economic Consequences
Women’s ongoing healthcare needs also have broader economic implications. Many women with chronic conditions such as endometriosis are forced to take time off work for medical appointments. This time away from the workforce can lead to discrimination, reduced career progression, and even premature retirement. Research shows that as many as one in four women experiencing menopause may leave the workforce or reduce their hours, resulting in lower lifetime earnings and a reduced retirement savings balance.
Addressing the Healthcare Gender Gap
The findings underscore the need for further investment in women’s health research and a more gender-sensitive approach to healthcare. Despite the significant impact of chronic conditions on women’s lives, much of the medical research to date has been focused on male-centric studies. To bridge this gap, there must be greater attention to how women experience and respond to medical treatments.
The federal government’s recent $160 million commitment to women’s health in the 2024–25 budget, aimed at tackling gender bias in the health system, is a positive step forward. This initiative seeks to improve medical professionals’ knowledge, enhance sexual and reproductive care, and address cost disparities. However, experts warn that continued, long-term investment is essential to creating a healthcare system that better supports women’s needs.
As Australia’s population ages and women’s healthcare needs continue to evolve, it is crucial to ensure that both genders receive equitable access to necessary care. Closing the healthcare gender gap will require sustained efforts from both the government and the medical community to ensure that women’s health is not overlooked or undervalued.
Provided by The Conversation
