Aussie insurers push for reforms

CANBERRA, Australia, March 20 (UPI) -- Australian health insurers have put forth proposals that would create special "recovery centers" for recuperating patients.

The measures would also allow minor surgery in doctors' offices to be covered by private health funds, the Australian reported Sunday. Health insurers said the proposals are meant to boost flagging membership. They have been pushing for national debate on National Health Act reforms, which they said could "end the Medicare monopoly" on treatment outside the hospital system.

Doctors, health insurers and private hospitals agreed to consider the plans after last week's talks with Health Minister Tony Abbott.