Patients struggling with rising costs and long waits for healthcare refunds

Key points

• Victoria's Labor government and the opposition have promised $53.6 million for the Victorian Patient Transport Assistance Scheme if they win next month's state election. The proposed changes would lift accommodation subsidies from $45 to $125 a night and fuel reimbursements from 21 cents to 35 cents per kilometre.
• Mildura patient Lara Hamilton said reimbursement delays of months were causing financial strain. Health Minister Ingrid Stitt said extra staff had been added to process claims faster.
• The funding change is expected to start on July 1, 2027, if either party forms government.