MEDICARE SAC CHECKLIST Flashcards
medicare
aus’s universal health insurance scheme that provides access to health care that’s subsided by the federal government
why was medicare created
provide access to affordable basic healthcare in public health sector
medicare safety net
patients co-payments for out of hospital medical expenses reach a certain level services get cheaper for the rest of the year
postives of medicare (what it provides) … listed
- clinically necessary medical fees
- consulation fees for doctors and specialists
- tests and examinations
negatives of medicare (what it doesnt provide) … listed
- costs associated with private hospitals
- most dental examinations and treatments
- ambulance services
how is medicare funded … listed
- general taxation
- the medicare levy
- the medicare levy surcharge
medicare levi
2% tax for all aus tax payers to fund medicare (low incomes and certain circumsatnces are exempt)
medicare levi surcharge
additional 1-1.5% tax on high income earners who dont have private health insurance (income based)
bulkbilling.. listed
- doctor or specialist charges only the schedule fee
- payment is claimed directly from medicare
- no out of pocket expenses
out of pocket expenses
if medical practices charge more than the ‘schedule fee’ you’ll have to pay a certain amount in out of pocket expenses (gap fee)
schedule fee
the amount that medicare contributes towards certain consultations and treatments.
the government decides what each item is worth and thats what medicare pays
PBS… listed
- up to $38.80 for most PBS medicines
- $6.30 for concession
- government pays remaining cost of the medicines
why was PBS created
provide essential medicines to people who need them, regardless of their ability to pay
private health insurance
insurance policy that helps pay for services not covered by medicare
why was private health insurance created
to give individuals more choice with their health care that they wish to access,
aswell ax reducing the burden on the public health system
postitives of private health insurance… listed
- enables access to private hospital healthcare
- choice of doctor while in public or private hospital
- shorter waiting times for some medical procedures
