National Seniors Australia

The private health insurer delivered a healthy first-half result, with its net profit up 14 per cent to $299 million. Policies emanating out of Canberra could play a big part on how well it builds on that number in the second half.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers has given a fair impression of Santa Clause with older Australians certainly beneficiaries of his largesse via an $150 energy subsidy, expanded GP bulk billing and cheaper medicines.

While the headline number was a 3.73 per cent increase, what it concealed was that four of the big five funds had higher increases. Now National Seniors Australia wants to make private health insurance an election issue.

With regional Australia enjoying a renaissance as city dwellers increasingly head to the bush, banks could be forced to respond by reversing their longstanding policy of drastically cutting bank services outside of the major population centres.

The Australian Energy Market Commission insists consumers are protected in its final ruling. The National Seniors Association begs to differ, arguing these changes will punish those who don’t understand how to change their energy use.

Merchants’ card payment costs and surcharges are hurting seniors in their wallets and purses, especially as cash transactions dwindle. This could be set to change with two powerful statutory bodies setting inquiries into motion.

Despite a royal commission putting seniors’ dental health on the political agenda, it remains stillborn. Meanwhile, the high cost of dental care means many are either delaying or totally avoiding getting treatment.

Determining how to maximise your retirement income from the age pension and superannuation can be complex, with many needing financial advice to avoid the pitfalls, says Innova Asset Management managing director Dan Miles.