– if you're finding it hard to afford a doctor, you're not alone.
I asked you for your stories and thousands of New Zealanders have told me they're struggling with rising health costs under Christopher Luxon's Government.
Here’s what people are saying:
"I'm a solo parent working full-time. With childcare and out-of-school care costs on top of high food costs, healthcare costs are ridiculous. I feel the brunt and it's seriously stressful."
"I know of a family who don't go to the doctor because it costs them the same as food for a week. If they get really bad they go to A&E."
These stories come from parents, pensioners, students, and even people in full-time work. I am 100% clear: no one should miss out on the care they need because of cost.
Some doctors’ fees are heading towards $100 a visit. That hasn’t happened by accident. It is a direct result of Christopher Luxon’s cuts to healthcare and tax breaks for tobacco companies and property speculators.
Christopher Luxon promised to fix the cost of living. But underfunding healthcare is one of the many ways he is making it worse – and we are all paying the price:
"GP visits I attend every three months for checks on my rheumatoid arthritis, combined with renewed prescriptions totals over $110."
"I haven't seen a doctor in yonks and have many different things I need checking but cannot afford near 100 dollars."
I was in disbelief in Parliament when the National Party Minister stood up and had the nerve to dismiss these concerns as "misinformation". They are completely out of touch with how hard they've made life for New Zealanders.
National will never stop trying to make New Zealanders pay more for their health care. The consequences are serious. Doctors tell us emergency departments are busier than ever, with sicker patients – because people can't afford to see doctors in their community.
"I am a nurse. I know first-hand from speaking with people that the high cost of a GP visit is the main reason they do not visit a GP when unwell. Health should not be this difficult to access."
This can't continue.
New Zealanders are being locked out of healthcare they desperately need. Hospitals are overwhelmed. Families are making impossible choices between food and medical care.
Labour is listening and we won’t stand by while this gets worse. Tell Christopher Luxon what you think.
