The AUS healthcare system Flashcards
(35 cards)
what is medicare?
Australia’s universal healthcare system, which aims to improve access to healthcare for all Australians and to provide quality healthcare at little or no cost to all Australians in need of treatment
what is the medicare safety net?
an additional rebate scheme introduced by the federal government which provides benefits for people who need frequent medical assistance. It exists to try and balance the higher medical costs collected by these people, it only occurs once a certain threshold of out of pocket costs has been reached.
how is medicare funded?
commonwealth/federal government
what is covered by medicare?
- treatment by health professionals (doctors)
- tests & examinations (X-rays)
- optometrists eye tests
- most procedures performed by GP’s
- treatment & accommodation in public hospitals
what isn’t covered by medicare?
- dental treatment
- ambulance services
- home nursing
- most allied health services (physio)
- contact lenses & glasses
- medicines
- oversea medical costs
- private hospital costs
what are the positives of medicare?
- little or no cost
- accessible to more Australians
what are the negatives of medicare?
- doesn’t provide every service
- burden on healthcare system
how does medicare promote sustainability?
- only covers essential healthcare services
- only provides care that is deemed medically necessary: this helps meet the health needs of the current generation & ensures that all Australians will have access to cover in the future
how does medicare promote access?
- rebates are provided which makes it more financially accessible
- accessible in local areas which improves physical access
how does medicare promote equity?
- medicare safety net protects those who experience higher costs of healthcare (big families, chronic conditions) and therefore provides support to those who need it most
- available to all Australians regardless of age, gender, race, location, income or health status
what is private health insurance?
a subscription/policy for which a person pays to provide them with extra levels of cover, then those offered by medicare
how is private health insurance funded?
generally funded by members through there premiums that they pay (funded by individuals & patly by the government)
what are the positives of private health insurance?
- reduces the burden/stress on the public system
- more services are covered
what are the negatives of private health insurance?
- more expensive
explain why we need PHI?
to support and reduce the burden on the public health system
how does PHI promote sustainability?
- economically sustainable as it helps meet the healthcare needs of the current generation through putting less burden on the public system
- aims to meet the needs of future generations by implementing incentive schemed which improve access as it can make it more affordable
how does PHI promote access?
- incentives which make PH more financially accessible ( increases the number of people who can afford PH)
- reduced waiting time in private hospitals
- financial access to a wider range of services
how does PHI promote equity?
- incentives were those who earn more have to pay more as they receives less or no rebate
- higher income earners are encourages to get PH therefore reducing the burden on the public system
PH incentive scheme: insurance rebate
most Australis with private health insurance receive a rebate from the government to help cover the costs of their premiums which is based on their income
PH incentive scheme: medicare levy surcharge
an additional surcharge up to 1-1.5% which is being charges to higher income earners who donor have private health which is another way to encourage people to take up PHI
PH incentive scheme: lifetime cover
implemented to encourage people with PHI to continue- anyone who doesn’t have PHI before their 31st birthday and decides to take up cover later will pay an additional 2% on their premiums each year
what is the pharmaceuticals benefits scheme?
an Australian government program that provides subsidised prescription medication to Australian residents
how is the PBS funded?
funded by the commonwealth/federal government through taxes
what are the positives of the PBS?
- provides essential medication at a reduced amount
- supports those who need it most
