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Specialist Affordability and Access for People With Disability

Author

Listed:
  • James Taylor
  • Karinna Saxby
  • Jodie Bailie
  • Samia Badji
  • Gozde Aydin
  • Ryan Liang
  • Dennis Petrie

Abstract

Introduction Equitable access to care is a core principle of Medicare and Australia's broader health policy frameworks, yet access to specialist care remains marked by persistent inequities. People with disability experience longer waits, face greater affordability pressures due to lower incomes and encounter greater administrative burden. These disparities undermine progress towards Australia's commitments to equitable and accessible healthcare set out in national and international policy agreements. Addressing them requires understanding the structural barriers that shape specialist access. Methods This article synthesises evidence on inequities in specialist access and fees for people with disability and identifies policy settings that shape these outcomes. It draws on existing literature, policy documents, and emerging evidence from linked administrative data, including the Person Level Integrated Data Asset (PLIDA). Results Key barriers include the geographic distribution of specialists, wide variation in out‐of‐pocket fees, fragmented referral pathways and limited care coordination, which may contribute to delayed or foregone care. These inequities are exacerbated by gaps in monitoring healthcare system performance. Australia has no system for tracking specialist wait times, limiting policymakers’ ability to identify disparities. Advances in linked administrative data, particularly PLIDA, provide a foundation for improved monitoring. Conclusion Improved wait time monitoring, greater fee transparency, targeted incentives for equitable care and strengthened navigation support are needed to improve access to specialist care for people with disability.

Suggested Citation

  • James Taylor & Karinna Saxby & Jodie Bailie & Samia Badji & Gozde Aydin & Ryan Liang & Dennis Petrie, 2026. "Specialist Affordability and Access for People With Disability," Australian Economic Review, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research, vol. 59(1), pages 109-113, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:ausecr:v:59:y:2026:i:1:p:109-113
    DOI: 10.1111/1467-8462.70043
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Krahn, G.L. & Walker, D.K. & Correa-De-Araujo, R., 2015. "Persons with disabilities as an unrecognized health disparity population," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 105, pages 198-206.
    2. Nicola Fortune & Rosamond H. Madden & Shane Clifton, 2021. "Health and Access to Health Services for People with Disability in Australia: Data and Data Gaps," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(21), pages 1-15, November.
    3. Bernice Hua Ma & Samia Badji & Dennis Petrie & Gang Chen, 2026. "The Impact of Enhancing Social Care on Healthcare Use for People With Disability: Evidence From Australia," Health Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 35(2), pages 212-228, February.
    4. Swami, Megha & Scott, Anthony, 2021. "Impact of rural workforce incentives on access to GP services in underserved areas: Evidence from a natural experiment," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 281(C).
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    Cited by:

    1. Susan J. Méndez & Jongsay Yong, 2026. "Affordable Specialist Care," Australian Economic Review, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research, vol. 59(1), pages 102-104, March.

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