Australia's health system Flashcards
What is Australia’s universal healthcare scheme?
Medicare
Medicare
Australia’s universal health scheme. Medicare gives all Australian’s, permanent residents and people from countries with reciprocal agreements access to healthcare.
What does Medicare cover?
- $38.75 schedule fee for doctor and specialist consultations
- Treatment and accommodation in public hospitals
- Most surgical procedures
- xrays
- eye tests
- 75% of schedule fee for treatment in private hospitals
What is not covered by Medicare?
- Cosmetic procedures
- Most costs associated with private hospitals (accommodation)
- Ambulance services
- Glasses, hearing aids
- Dental treatments
- Chiropractic services
Patient co-payment
If a doctor charges more than the schedule fee that Medicare covers, then the patient pays the difference.
Bulk-billed
When the doctor only charges the schedule fee, meaning there are no out-of-pocket expenses for the patient.
Medicare Safety Net
Provides extra financial assistance to people who have excessive medical expenses each year.
When an individual or family has contributed a certain amount to Medicare expenses in a calendar year, then Medicare services are cheaper for the rest of the year.
How is Medicare funded?
Medicare Levy
Medicare levy surcharge
General taxation
Medicare levy
An additional 2% tax placed on the taxable income of most taxpayers. Those with low income may be exempt from paying it.
Medicare levy surcharge
An extra tax that people without Private Health Insurance earning more than a certain amount have to pay. It increases as income increases.
It aims to encourage people to take out Private Health Insurance
Advantages of Medicare
- Available to all Australian citizens
- Reciprocal agreement between Australia and other countries, allowing Australians to access healthcare in selected countries
Disadvantages of Medicare
- No choice of doctor for in-hospital treatments
- Waiting list for many treatments
Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)
Provides life-saving and essential medicine to people at a subsidised rate, in which people provide a co-payment towards the medication.
There are over 5000 medicines listed, reviewed 3 times a year.
PBS safety net
Protection for individuals and families from large expenses for PBS-listed medicines. Once a specific amount has been spent within 1 calendar year, the cost reduces to $6.60.
National Disability Benefits Scheme (NDIS)
Provides services and support for people with permanent, significant disabilities and their families and carers, assisting them to live an ordinary life. It is funded by the federal and state governments.
