Unit 2 AOS3 Flashcards
What is Medicare?
A universal healthcare system that provides essential medical care to patients via their GP or hospital for little or no cost.
What is a schedule fee?
Cost decided by the government. The amount that Medicare contributes towards
certain consultations and treatments.
What is bulk billing?
When the doctor or specialist charges only the
Schedule fee.
What is covered by Medicare?
- Doctors and specialists.
- Diagnostic tests.
- Eye tests by optometrists.
What is not covered by Medicare?
- Ambulance services.
- Dental services.
- Glasses, contact lenses and hearing aids.
- Cosmetic surgery.
Medicare safety net
Ensures that people who require frequent
services covered by Medicare, such as doctor’s visits and tests receive additional financial
support.
How is Medicare funded?
By the Australian Federal Government:
- Medicare levy. (additional 2% tax).
- Medicare levy surcharge. (People without private health insurance pay extra tax).
- General Taxation.
Advantages of Medicare.
- Choice of doctor for out-of
hospital services - Available to all Australians
- Covers tests and examinations,
doctors’ fees and some
procedures such as X-rays and eye
tests.
Disadvantages of Medicare.
- No choice of doctor for
in-hospital treatments - Waiting lists for many
treatments - Does not cover alternative
therapies - Often does not cover the full
amount of doctor visits
Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)
Subsides the cost of a wide range of life-saving prescription medications.
How is PBS funded?
Commonwealth Government taxes.
What is Private Health Insurance (PHI)
Premium (fee) for payments towards medical health costs NOT covered by Medicare.
How is PHI funded?
Subsidised by public funds including a means-tested rebate.
What is covered by PHI?
- Medicare will pay for 75% of doctors’ schedule fees.
- Choice of doctor, own room and short waiting period in elective surgery.
How is PHI different to Medicare?
Medicare only covers the cost of your treatment as a public patient and a set range of non-hospital health services. Private health insurance can give you more choices about the type of health services used and more coverage for different types of services.
