Doctors have accused the Abbott government of delaying the introduction of Medicare changes that would increase out-of-pocket health costs until after next Saturday's crucial Canning by-election.

The government has proposed saving $270 million by changing the Medicare safety net, which covers out-of-hospital services such as in vitro fertilisation, specialists, and some pathology and diagnostic imaging services.

Changes to the Medicare safety net mean patients would need to spend more on out-of-pocket medical expenses to become eligible for additional Medicare benefits. Credit:Peter Braig

The increased thresholds, due to come into effect in January 2016, mean patients would need to spend more on out-of-pocket medical expenses to become eligible for additional Medicare benefits.

David Molloy, chairman of the Fertility Society of Australia, said the proposed changes would affect chronically ill patients who require regular treatment and high-cost medical interventions. Affected patients would include cancer patients, fertility patients and those who need regular access to psychiatric services.