CH7 health

medicare

Australia’s universal health insurance scheme which provides free or subsidised medical treatment for all Australian citizens, permanent residents and those from countries with a reciprocal arrangement

medicare levy

is an additional 2% tax placed on the taxable income of most tax payers

medicare levy surcharge

aims to encourage individuals to take out private hospital cover where possible and to use the private system to reduce the demand on the medicare funded public system

general income tax

added to the fund as the medicare levy and surcharge does not raise enough money

medicare safety net

provides extra financial assistance for those that incur significant out of pocket costs for medicare services

schedule fee

the amount of money that the government deems appropriate for a particular medical service or procedure

paitient co-payment

the payment made by the consumer for health products or services in addition to the amount paid by the government

bulk billing

when the doctor charges only the schedule fee, meaning there is no out of pocket payment for the paitient

the medicare benefits schedule (MBS)

is a document that lists the range of services covered and the amount that medicare will contribute to each, known as the schedule fee

the pharmaceutical benefits scheme (PBS)

the aim was to provide essential medicines to people who needed them, regardless of their ability to pay

the PBS safety net

once they have spent 1647.90 within a calendar year on PBS listed medicine, the paitient pays only a concessional co-payment rate of 7.70 rather than the normal 31.60

the national disability insurance scheme (NDIS)

a national insurance scheme that provides services and support for people with permanent, significant disabilities and their families and carers, to assist them in living normal life

eligibility for NDIS

requires a person to be aged under 65 and meet the residency and disability requirements

private health insurance

is a type of insurance under which members pay a premium in return for payment towards health related costs not covered by medicare

funding

relates to the financial resources that are provided to keep the health system adequately staffed and resourced so a high level of care is available for those who need it

sustainability

relates to its capacity to provide a workplace and infrastructure such a facilities and equipment into the future, and to be innovative and responsive to emerging needs through interventions such as researching and monitoring

access

is a health system that can provide all people with timely access to quality health services based on their needs, not their ability to pay, regardless of where they live in the country

equity

is a health system that takes the different circumstances of individuals and groups into account, so those who need more support are able to receive it