At first glance I was impressed by Labor’s policy to guarantee immediate free hospital care, when required, for people aged over 75. This was good news for oldies, of course, but potentially good news for younger people paying private health insurance.

The assumption was that older folk would no longer need private health insurance, thereby reducing premiums for the rest of us.

The Prime Minister today raised some thoughtful arguments in response. He pointed out that there are only so many doctors to go around, and reducing the waiting list for old people would, by extension, increase it for young people.

He also pointed out that Labor could not guarantee older people a private room under their policy. Many people choose to have private health insurance for that reason. The assumption that most people aged over 75 will quit private insurance is therefore less credible.

It’s an interesting debate and one that can’t be decided with just a superficial look.