medicare Flashcards
What is Medicare?
medicare is Australias universal health insurance scheme. it provides all Australian citizens and permanent residents access to healthcare subsidised by the government.
what is a schedule fee?
a schedule fee is the amount that medicare contributes towards the consultation and treatmentants
what is bulk billing?
bulk billing is when the total cost is covered by Medicare and the doctor accepts this form of payment.
what is covered by medicare?
Medicare covers most or all of the cost of the fees relating to many essential healthcare services. These out of hospital expenses include many different forms of tests and consultations
examples of what is covered by medicare
GP consultatioms,
xrays and examinations
blood tests
what is not covered by medicare?
Medicare only covers ‘essential health services, healthcare which is optional and unnecessary
examples of what is not covered by medicare?
cosmetic surgery dental appointments ambulance fees glasses artificial limbs
advantages of medicare
choice of out of hospital doctor
Available to all Australian citizens and p residents
covers most healthcare costs
Medicare safety net
disadvantages of medicare
often does not cover full cost of healthcare
extreme waiting lists
no choice of in-hospital doctor
what is the medicare safety net?
a system which provides extra financial support to those who have significantly high out of pocket costs relating to medicare services. also ensures people requiring frequent services get additional financial support
how is medicare funded?
Medicare is funded by the medicare levy. The medicare levy is a 2% tax on all taxable income on those earning over 20,000 or without specific circumstances.
