s-task Flashcards
(15 cards)
What is Medicare?
Australia’s universal health insurance scheme. It offers free or subsided medical treatment to all Australian citizens.
Medicare levy
An additional 2% tax placed on taxable income for most tax payers. Those with low incomes or specific circumstances may be exempt from paying the levy.
Medicare levy surcharge
People without PHI earning more than a certain amount (individuals: $97,000 + Families: $194,000) have to pay extra tax (MLS). It aims to encourage individuals to take out private hospital cover and when possible, use the private system to reduce the demand on the Medicare-funded public system.
MLS example
An individual without PHI earning more than $97 000 will pay extra 1% of their income to Medicare
Another individual without PHI earning more than $144 001 will pay extra 1.5% of their income to medicare.
+ To PHI
Shorter waiting times for some medical procedures like elective surgery
Helps keep the cost of Medicare operating under control
The age based discount may provide cheaper private cover for 18-29
- to PHI
Costly in terms of premiums needed to be paid
Sometimes have a ‘gap’ which means the insurance doesn’t cover the whole fee and the individual must pay the difference
Policies can be complex to understand
-> create confusion for the average person
NDIS
a national insurance scheme
that provides services and support for
people with permanent, significant
disabilities, and their families and carers.
NDIS funded
Funded by the federal and state/territory governments
NDIS aim
Assist individuals with disabilities to live an ordinary life.
PBS originally
The PBS has been evolving since 1948, when the government provided lifesaving and disease-preventing medication to the community free of charge.
PBS Safety Net
Provides extra financial assistance for those than incur significant out-of-pocket costs for Medicare. Once a person or family contributed a certain amount out of their own pocket to medicare in a calendar year, the PBS medicines is reduced or for concession card holders it is free.
NDIS individualised plan
Based on the disabled persons’ goals and aspirations, both now and in the future. It may include greater independence, community involvement, employment, and improved health and wellbeing.
Receive reasonable and necessary funded supports
Related to a person’s disability and are required for them to live an ordinary life and achieve their goals. NDIS can pay for supports that are reasonably necessary. Funding is provided for assistance technology like shower chair or mobility cane. Funding is also provided to pay for carers if individuals require assistance with daily tasks.
Age based discount
Insurers have the option of offering young people (18-29) a discount of up to 10% for hospital cover. The discount allows for 2% reduction in premiums for each year that the person is aged under 30 to a maximum of 10%.
PBS
The aim is to provide essential medicines to people who need it. The aim remains the same today however, rather than it being free, it is subsidised and the individuals have to make a patient co-payment.
