NIB has hit back against claims the private health insurance industry is profiteering from the cancellation of elective surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Managing director Mark Fitzgibbon said NIB was continuing to pay claims because there was a lag between when a member received treatment and when the claim was received.
"At this stage we have not seen any material decline in claims due to the recent temporary suspension of non-urgent elective surgery," he said.
"Although over the past few weeks there's been quite a big drop in the number of members contacting us to check they're covered for a planned surgery or hospital treatment. But with some elective surgery now starting to resume, we expect to start seeing a return to more normal levels."
A spokesman said the company had directed an extra $1million into the NIB Foundation to support charitable initiatives assisting the community during the pandemic.
It had also set aside another $500,000 for a range of clinical and community health initiatives to assist in the identification and treatment of those vulnerable or at risk to COVID-19.
The company's member support package includes expanded coverage for chest, lung, kidney and bladder or other treatment related to COVID-19 across all levels of hospital cover.
Meanwhile NIB has donated 100,000 surgical masks to support the Hunter's healthcare workers.
The facemasks will be distributed to GPs, pharmacists and allied health professionals, including physiotherapists, chiropractors and dietitians.
"It is crucial that we can ensure the safety and wellbeing of frontline health workers so that the community, many of which are NIB members are still able to access vital services during this difficult time," Mr Fitzgibbon said.
"With the assistance of the local Primary Health Network this order will supply health workers throughout the region with enough face masks for around six weeks."
NIB worked with its joint venture partner in China, Tasly, to source the Level 2 quality masks, which are Therapeutic Goods Association compliant masks.
Primary Health Network chief executive, Richard Nankervis said face masks had been at critically low levels in general practices and community pharmacies.
"We thank NIB for their generous support as it will allow the PHN to offer masks to the many allied health professionals who are continuing to operate during the COVID-19 pandemic," Mr Nankervis said.
"We have received feedback from allied health professionals that sourcing face masks from commercial suppliers is very difficult so the masks provided by NIB will be welcomed and allow vital health services to remain open."
IN THE NEWS:
- Child abuse charges laid at Muswellbrook after Strike Force Trawler investigation into Hunter man
- Documentary about black panthers and big cats in Australia to air on Discovery Channel on May 5
- Prisoners riot at Cessnock jail, lock themselves in rooms, reportedly light fires
- Oyster growers still face ongoing fees despite industry downturn
- Positive sign has no new COVID-19 cases diagnosed in the Hunter
- Guard of honour at constable's farewell
