australian healthcare system

What is Private Health Insurance (PHI)?

PHI allows a person to receive hospital treatment as a private patient in both public and private hospitals and assists in covering healthcare expenses not part of Medicare.

What services are covered by Private Health Insurance?

Services include private hospitals, private doctors, choice of doctor in a public hospital, private room options, dental, and physiotherapy not covered by Medicare.

What are some strengths of Private Health Insurance?

Strengths include shorter waiting lists, choice of doctor, private patient status in hospitals, private room options, and coverage for services not covered by Medicare.

What are some limitations of Private Health Insurance?

Limitations include waiting periods for some services, high and rising premiums, and out-of-pocket expenses.

What is the Lifetime Health Cover initiative?

A government initiative that encourages individuals to obtain and maintain PHI before age 31; those who take out PHI after 31 are charged an additional 2% on premiums for each year over 30.

What is the Age-Based Discount in Private Health Insurance?

A discount for individuals aged 18-29 starting PHI, making it cheaper for younger people.

What is the PHI Rebate?

A percentage of PHI premiums paid by the government based on the individual's income and age.

What is the Medicare Levy Surcharge?

An extra 1% or 1.5% levy paid by Australian taxpayers who do not have PHI and are higher income earners.

How does Private Health Insurance promote equity?

Insurers offer the same premium for a given policy regardless of age, gender, health status, and provide income-based rebates, making it more affordable for various socioeconomic groups.

How does Private Health Insurance enhance access to healthcare?

It provides shorter waiting lists, choice of doctor, and covers services beyond Medicare.

How does Private Health Insurance contribute to funding?

It adds private funding, covers extra services, and is supported by government rebates.

How does Private Health Insurance support sustainability?

It reduces strain on public hospitals by decreasing demand.

What is the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)?

PBS helps Australians afford important medicines by paying part of their cost for prescription medicines, making them more accessible.

What is the PBS Safety Net?

A program that helps protect individuals and families from high medicine costs.

How does the PBS promote equity?

It ensures everyone, especially those in need, can access medicines fairly, with concession card holders paying less.

How does the PBS contribute to funding?

The government pays most of the medicine costs, so individuals do not have to pay the full price themselves.

How does the PBS enhance access to medicines?

It makes medicines affordable and available to all Australians.

How does the PBS support sustainability?

It ensures the system can continue supporting Australians by only funding medicines that are proven and cost-effective.

What is the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)?

NDIS provides funding directly to people with disabilities for the support and services they need.

How does the NDIS promote sustainability?

It only supports necessary and reasonable funds, ensuring money is spent wisely.

How does the NDIS enhance access to support?

It helps individuals get the support they need, such as personal care, therapy, and equipment, with choices in providers and funding usage.

How does the NDIS contribute to funding?

Funding comes from the government and is based on individual goals and needs, not just the type of disability.

What is the NDIS?

A government initiative that provides services and support to people with a permanent or significant disability.

What criteria must a person meet to be eligible for the NDIS?

Must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident, under 65 years old, and have a disability affecting daily life.

What does the NDIS funding depend on?

Funding is based on individual goals and needs, not just the type of disability.

How does the NDIS promote equity?

Support is fair as it is based on individual needs rather than income or location.

What does the NDIS help individuals with disabilities achieve?

Helps individuals achieve their goals and improve their quality of life by providing access to necessary services and support.

What types of services does the NDIS assist participants in accessing?

Mainstream services like public housing, justice, aged care, and community services such as sports clubs and libraries.

What is Medicare?

A healthcare system that pays all or part of the cost for many important healthcare services.

What are some services covered by Medicare?

GPs, specialists, x-rays, pathology tests, image scans, and prescription medicines.

What is the Medicare Safety Net?

Protects people from high medical costs by increasing rebates after reaching a certain threshold.

What is the Medicare Levy?

A tax of 2% of taxable income paid by most Australian taxpayers to fund Medicare.

What happens if you earn above a certain income threshold and do not have private health insurance?

You pay an extra tax known as the Medicare Levy Surcharge.

How does Medicare promote equity?

It is accessible to everyone regardless of income or location, with higher earners contributing more through taxes.

How does Medicare ensure access to healthcare?

Allows all Australians to access basic healthcare services either free or at a low cost.

What is the purpose of the Schedule Fee in Medicare?

It is the set amount determined by the government for each medical service, with Medicare covering a percentage of this fee.

What are the strengths of Medicare?

Guarantees access to many services at low or no cost, bulk billing, and subsidizes prescription medicines.

What are some limitations of Medicare?

Doesn't always cover the full cost, may require patients to pay a gap, and does not cover private hospital costs or certain services.

What is the sustainability aspect of Medicare?

Medicare only pays for services that are proven to work and are good value for money, ensuring longevity for future generations.