HEALTH funds will postpone the April 1 premium increase for at least six months.
The move follows discussions between health funds, the government and regulators on measures to ease financial pressure on members while maintaining essential health services, including critical dental care.
"This is a continuing process and health funds will be regularly reviewing their financial position in coming months to provide as much support as possible to members," said Private Healthcare Australia chief executive Dr Rachel David.
"It is a tough time for all Australians and circumstances are changing rapidly.
"At the same time, health funds also need to maintain the government's legislated capital adequacy requirements and must remain in good shape so we can fund the backlog of elective surgery that will certainly occur in six to 12 months' time."
Dr David urged people whose financial circumstances have changed to talk to their health fund before considering downgrading or dropping their health cover.
As well as postponing the premium increase, health funds are targeting financial relief for those most in need, people who have lost their jobs, are under-employed or who have contracted the virus.
Other measures include:
ALL hospital policies - from Basic to Gold - will include full hospital coverage for people affected by COVID-19
PEOPLE experiencing financial hardship as a result of the crisis will be able to access relief from premium costs (contact your health fund directly)
FROM March 30, health funds will cover telehealth services from psychologists
HEALTH funds will cover telehealth services from other allied health professions where practical and clinically appropriate
HEALTH funds will continue to provide access to and reimburse emergency dental services and will direct members needing access
SEVERAL arrangements are being put in place to allow more hospital-in-the-home services and more remote access services for members at particular risk (subject to government approval).