Even as a relatively new MP I get a feeling when a pattern is developing in dealing with government agencies. Four cases coming to the electorate office on one topic in a short space of time is a sign. That is definitely the case with ACC declining surgery on the grounds of a “pre-existing condition”. One of the cases has had a run in the media, but the others are just the same. In all cases the patient’s doctors argue that surgery is required as a result of the accident, but ACC has denied the surgery.
Jim Anderton raised this in Parliament last week, and at the time I thought he had got an unequivocal answer from Nick Smith that there had been no change in policy. Reading the transcript again I am not so sure. Smith talks about no change in the “legislative cover.“ But this does not eliminate a policy change, and I think that is what we are seeing.
In the exchange with Jim Anderton, Nick Smith does acknowledge that more cases are going to appeal, but he also says ” it is critical that these decisions are made on medical and not cost grounds.” That is something we can all agree on, but when doctors are saying that the surgery is required as a result of the accident, but ACC is finding ways around this, that is not meeting the Minister’s test.
The view of all those involved in the cases is that they feel as people who have paid their taxes and ACC levies over the years, they thought the system would be there for them when they needed it. They are feeling cheated, and they have every right to do so. I am supporting them to appeal the decisions, but that is wasting a lot of time for all concerned.
