Pensioners and health care providers have welcomed the federal Labor Party's plan to pay for hospital care for elderly Australians.
Labor leader Mark Latham officially launched the ALP's federal election campaign in Brisbane today.
Mr Latham announced a $2.9 billion plan called Medicare Gold, which will pay for hospital care for all Australians aged 75 and over.
The nation's biggest provider of hospital services, Catholic Health Australia, has welcomed Labor's commitment.
Chief executive officer Francis Sullivan says it will give older Australians the dignity and respect they deserve.
"We have asked for a program like this for many years to both sides of the Parliament," he said.
"We're delighted that a major party has taken the bit between the teeth and is prepared to put in place a practical, dignified program for the frail Australian patients."
The Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS) has also welcomed Labor's plan.
President Andrew McCallum says the policy will help the elderly, especially those on low incomes.
"It's good news for pensioners in that regard," he said.
"I think providing that universal coverage is good, to provide there'll be no out of pocket expenses, that's something that's always been a problem under the current system."
The Pensioners' and Superannuants' League's Yvonne Zardani says Medicare Gold is a plus but the age limit is set a bit high.
"There's a lot of people that are not 75 that need a lot of health care too you know but it's good," she said.
"I certainly see the hospital for all and that would be good."
Pensions
Mr Latham also announced changes to Australia's pension system.
Under a Labor government, pensions will be increased quarterly rather than half-yearly.
Ms Zardani says quarterly indexing is a good idea.
"I think people are going to welcome that because they have complained about GST - everything's been rising with the GST - bank fees, all the charges are going up on things," she said.
