chapter five: the australian healthcare system Flashcards
explain medicare
australian universal healthcare system, which aims to improve the access to healthcare for all australians and to provide access to adequate healthcare at little to no cost to all australians in need of treatment, regardless of age or income
main objectives of medicare
- to make healthcare more affordable for all Australian
- to give all Australians access to healthcare services with priority according to clinical need
- to provide a high-quality of care
how is medicare funded
medicare is funded by the federal government which raises revenue from taxpayers
what is private health insurance
PHI is a subscription or policy for which a person pays to provide them with different levels of cover
- PHI can provide individuals with additional healthcare services to those provided by Medicare
explain the incentive scheme
private health insurance rebate
- most Australians with PI are able to receive a rebate from the government to help cover the cost of their premium
- can opt to pay a reduced premium and the government will pay the balance or they can pay the total and claim the rebate through their tax return
- the amount of rebate may also vary depending on age
Medicare levy surcharge
- set a 2% of taxable income to help cover the cost of Medicare services
Lifetime health cover
- encourage people with PHI to continue their cover throughout their lives
Age-based discount
- offers young people who are aged between 18 and 29 years discount of up to 10% from their PHI hospital premiums
how is PHI funded
PHI is generally funded by members through the premiums that they pay
what is Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)
PBS is a limited scheme that provided free medications for pensioners which aims to subsidise the cost of a wide range of prescription medicines as well as providing Australians with vital medications at affordable prices
- PBS provides timely reliable and afforadble access to necessary medicines for Australians
how is PBS funded
PBS is funded by the Commonwealth Government through taxes.
explain national disability insurance scheme (NDIS)
The NDIS is dedicated & values people with disabilities by ensuring that people with a disability & their carers receive full access to the support they need to improve the quality of their lives
