THE federal government's decision to discontinue providing access to free rapid antigen tests for vulnerable members of the community may have "ripple effects" on people's health choices, according to the chief executive of Mallee Family Care.
Teresa Jayet said people experiencing hardship would not be to afford rapid tests and this could impact not only their personal health, but local businesses, as health experts brace for another COVID-19 wave to hit the state.
The federal government's COVID-19 rapid test concessional access program was introduced during the third wave of COVID-19 cases in January to give concession card holders access to 10 free tests over a three-month period.
Pensioners, senior health card owners along with health care card and Department of Veterans' Affairs card holders were eligible for the program, which came in at time when individual tests cost about $15.
But that program expires on July 31 and is unlikely to be extended.
Ms Jayet said discontinuing the program in the middle of winter sent a confusing message to the community about the seriousness of COVID-19.
"I would have thought it would have been a better decision to assist us to get through winter, to make the rat kits available, and then reassess at the end of that period," Ms Jayet said.
The Health Minister Mark Butler said the program was set up when it was "borderline impossible" to obtain rapid tests, but significant supply issues had since been resolved.
"Now that the significant supply issues have resolved, prices have come down significantly and a packet of five RATs can be purchased from a pharmacy for around $40 – or around $8 per test," Mr Butler said.
"I would encourage pensioners and concession cardholders to get their allocation of up to 5 tests before the end of this month."
Mr Butler said the program had been designed by the Morrison government and state governments to end on July 31, but he said pensioners would still be able to access free rapid tests.
"Pensioners and others in the community with symptoms can still access free RATs and PCR testing through state clinics or one of the 129 federally supported respiratory clinics," Mr Butler said.
"Free tests continue to be offered in specific settings including aged care and schools."
But a recent rise in COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 cases prompted the Victorian government to recommended people wear masks indoors and in crowded settings.
People are now expected to test and isolate if positive as soon as four weeks after last contracting COVID-19.
A Victorian Department of Health spokesperson said the department would continue to provide free rapid tests at Barratt & Smith pathology testing site.
Up to five rapid tests are available per person, while people with a disability can collect 20 tests.
Ms Jayet said despite the fall in prices for tests, they were still out of reach for those experiencing financial hardship.
"People who are vulnerable … will not prioritise a rapid test for purchase over other expenses, like transportation, groceries, utility bills and food when those expenses are already high for them," Ms Jayet said.
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners has warned that providing rapid tests for vulnerable groups was essential in reducing the strain on the health system and urged state and territory governments to provide GPs with tests for at risk patients.