Healthscope update

Update on Healthscope’s Hospital Contract Termination for Emergency Services Health Members

Key points:

• Negotiations with Healthscope are continuing.
  
• Our current contract with Healthscope remains valid until at least 3 March 2025, with transitional arrangements in place beyond that.
  
• Members can still choose to be treated in out-of-contract Healthscope hospitals after 3 March 2025, but additional out-of-pocket costs will most likely apply.
• We have contracts with around 480 other private hospitals around Australia – which you can search for using our Find a Contracted Hospital Search.  

We’re disappointed to confirm that Healthscope, owned by Brookfield (a North American Private Equity firm that manages more than $1 trillion in assets), have provided a notice of termination on our 2-year contract less than a year since signing, effective 3 March 2025. This termination stands to impact 38 private hospitals across Australia (listed below). 

While discussions continue between Healthscope and the Australia Health Service Alliance (AHSA), who represent Emergency Services Health and 24 other member-first funds, Emergency Services Health members can be certain that they remain covered by our current contract agreement up until midnight on 3 March 2025.  

This means that members will not face additional out-of-pocket costs if they commence treatment, pre-book treatment, or are admitted with an emergency at a Healthscope Hospital prior to 4 March 2025 (refer table below).

For hospital treatments that fall outside the above transitional arrangements we encourage you to speak to your doctor about your options to book an alternative hospital which we are in contract with. This will ensure you avoid unnecessary out-of-pocket costs. We have contracts with over 480 private hospitals around Australia, which you can search for using our Find a Contracted Hospital Search.

Members can still choose to be treated at an out-of-contract Healthscope Hospital, however Emergency Services Health will have no control over the out-of-pocket costs passed on. Out-of-pocket costs must always be explained to you in detail by the hospital prior to agreeing to treatment as part of providing Informed Financial Consent. If you are uncomfortable with the costs, speak to us and your doctor prior to signing your consent.

We are committed to constructive negotiations with Healthscope, and will share more information with members in the lead up to the termination date, as appropriate. 

If you have particular questions or concerns, we encourage you to speak to your doctor about any planned treatment and your options, or to give us a call on 1300 703 703.