Arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions affect 7 million Australians
Arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions affect almost 1 in 3 Australians
7 million voices | 7 million stories
One in three, which is more than 7 million Australians of all ages, are living with arthritis and musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions.
The next federal election could be called at any time, and we need our arthritis and MSK community to come off the bench and make our voices heard if we want to see positive change.
The reality for many with arthritis is stark:
• Not being able to work: Australians living with arthritis often find themselves retiring early. The physical demands of work can become overwhelming, forcing many to leave their careers to manage their health effectively.
High out of pocket health costs and lack of access to care and support.
• Life-altering decisions: Australians living with arthritis frequently face difficult choices at an early age, such as:
– Deciding whether to have children, knowing that pregnancy can exacerbate symptoms.
– Abandoning dream careers due to physical limitations or pain.
– Limiting social activities, such as enjoying a night out with friends or a walk on the beach.
The truth is that millions of Australians of all ages wake up with arthritis and MSK conditions every day.
For those who don’t experience it firsthand, it’s crucial to understand the detrimental impact this condition has on everyday life.
We all know someone who has arthritis or MSK or cares for someone affected by it.
Telling your story in your own words is a powerful way to help MPs understand the personal impact of arthritis and the support that is needed.
Our asks for Australians living with arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions:
1. Invest in game-changing arthritis and musculoskeletal research to transform lives and generate health system savings
For every Australian living with arthritis and MSK, the government spent just $6 on research through the NHMRC in 2023. This compares to $108 per person living with dementia, and $72 per person with a cardiovascular condition.
Boosting arthritis and musculoskeletal research could transform quality of life for people of all ages living with pain and disability. By establishing a Medical Research Future Fund Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Mission we could save the health system billions and give the hope of a cure for these debilitating conditions.
2. Action on out-of-pocket healthcare costs - reform safety nets, and provide timely relief from fees when it is needed most
Too many people are struggling with the costs of care and face the awful dilemma of choosing between buying basics like food or being able to afford their healthcare. We are calling for reforms including Introducing a single, automated Health Safety Net covering both the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and Medicare, changing the expenditure qualifying periods to a 12- month rolling period to ensure people get equitable access to concessions, and provide additional fee relief during arthritis flares when healthcare costs skyrocket.
3. Fund affordable and accessible care for people with arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions, including exercise and rehabilitation through allied health and social prescribing programs
Too many people are forced to put up with the pain with little care or support, languishing on elective surgical waiting lists that can exceed 500 days. Allied health services such as those provided by physiotherapists and dieticians are critical but simply unaffordable for many people.
From now until the Federal election, we your help to lobby federal parliamentarians to take action on arthritis and MSK conditions.
What can you do?
Inform
Inform yourself about the impact arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions have on 7 million Australians by downloading our election platform.
Act
Use our tool to email your local Member of Parliament and Senators, share your story and ask for their support.
Share
Share this campaign with your family and friends for even more impact. Remember to tag us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram
Together, let’s make our voices heard this election.
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