MEDICARE, PBS AND PRIVATE HEALTH Flashcards
WHAT IS MEDICARE
Australias universal health insurance scheme, providing health care at a discounted rate to those living in Australia and some other countries (New Zealand, Ireland, UK, Sweeden)
HOW IS MEDICARE FUNDED
Medicare levy - 1.5% of taxable income for most tax payers goes towards medicare
Medicare levy surcharge - high income earners who dont have private health insurance pay an extra tax. The amount depends on the income level
general tax income - money from general tax goes towards medicare
WHAT DOES MEDICARE COVER
xrays
pathology
doctors and specialists services
eye tests by optometrists
WHAT DOES MEDICARE NOT COVER
glasses and contacts
alternative medicines (chiro etc.)
plastic surgery
Ambulance transport
WHAT IS THE MEDICARE SAFETY NET
Those that spend a certain amount in a 12 month period then get health care services at a even further discounted rate
WHAT DOES THE PBS DO
Provides pharmaceuticals at a discounted rate
HOW DOES THE PBS SAFETY NET WORK
Those that pay over a certain amount in a 12 month period then recieve the pharmaceuticals at a further discounted rate
PROS OF MEDICARE
Accessible for all
Makes health care more affordable
Acts to reduce social inequalities
CONS OF MEDICARE
Lots of pressure on the system
Long waiting lists for surgeries
Doesnt cover ambulance transport
WHAT IS PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE
A type of medical insurance that can be taken out in addition to medicare
HOW IS PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE DIFFERENT TO MEDICARE IN TERMS OF WHAT IT PROVIDES/COVERS
Choose your premium (what is covered)
If chosen, it can cover the things medicare doesnt
WHAT HAS THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT DONE TO TRY GET PEOPLE TO TAKE OUT PRIVATE HEALTH
Lifetime cover - those who take out private health insurance over the age of 30, will pay an extra 2% on their premiums for each year theyre over 30
Medicare levy surcharge - high income earners without private health pay an extra tax towards medicare (the amount is base on income)
Private health insurance rebate - the federal government will pay back a percentage of the premium paid to those who have private health insurance (the amount paid back depends on income, those with a high income may recieve no rebate)
PROS OF PRIVATE HEALTH
Choose your cover
Little to no waiting lists for surgeries
Can cover things like chiro, that medicare doesnt
CONS OF PRIVATE HEALTH
can be expensive
can be confusing choosing your premiums
