More affordable healthcare for Defence families

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The Hon Matt Keogh MP

Minister for Defence Personnel

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs

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media@defence.gov.au

Stephanie Mathews on 0407 034 485

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15 December 2022

Healthcare is set to become more affordable for Defence families, with the expansion of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) Family Health Program from today.

Families can now claim more services than ever before, including ambulance cover, help to quit smoking and pharmaceuticals.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel, The Hon Matt Keogh MP, said feedback from ADF members and Defence families was invaluable in informing the improvements.

“Direct feedback showed that while families value the ADF Family Health Program, more could be done to increase access to affordable healthcare,” Minister Keogh said.

“When a person serves in our ADF their family serves alongside them, that’s why it’s so important we invest in the wellbeing of the whole family.”

From mid-2023, Defence will also double the current annual allowance per dependant to $800 and further expand services that families can claim.

The expanded services align directly with the Government’s National Preventive Health Strategy to increase the overall health and wellbeing of Australians.

“We know our people are Defence’s most important capability, and this extends to our Defence families. This is one of many initiatives we are implementing to benefit our people and their loved ones,” Minister Keogh said.

The Albanese Government is committed to delivering cost of living relief for families all over Australia, including delivering on a better future for Defence families 

To sign up to or receive more information on the ADF Family Health Program, visit https://adffamilyhealth.com/

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