38508 (2025). Hūhana Lyndon to the Minister of Health

38508 (2025). Hūhana Lyndon to the Minister of Health: Does the proposed new capitation formula for primary care funding take into account current unmet need as well as current service use data, and if so, what data on unmet need was used to inform the formula, and if not, why not?

Hon Simeon Brown: Last month I announced that the Government's funding method for GP clinics will be updated for the first time in more than 20 years as part of our focus on putting patients first and ensuring all New Zealanders have access to timely, quality healthcare. This new formula is based on an analysis of primary care service use data for patients across the country. As the Member will be aware, I have announced that the capitation formula will be reviewed to keep it up to date and ensure that it can continue to respond to health needs. As the Member may also be aware, other primary care funding streams exist that aim to address unmet need.