What does Medicare cover
- Consultation fees for GP’s and Specialists
- X-rays
- Pathology tests
- eye tests by optometrists
- Treatment in a public hospital
What does Medicare not cover
- Cosmetics
- Glasses
- Pharmaceuticals
- Ambulance
- Home nursing care
Advantages of Medicare
- Choice of doctor for out-of-hospital services
- Available to all Australian citizens
- Reciporical agreements with other countries
- Medicare safety net
Disadvantages of medicare
- No choice of doctor for in-hospital treatments
- Waiting lists
- Doesn’t cover alterniative therapies
- Gap
How does a new drug enter the PBS
- Drug must be assessed by PBAC (advisory comittee) for effectiveness and cost effectiveness
- Government must agree to fund it
Describe the NDIS
The NDIS is a national insurance scheme that provides services and support for people with permanent, significant disabilities and their families and carers.
How to be eligible for NDIS
- Aged under 65 when applying
- Must live in Australia and be an Australian citizen or hold a permanent visa
- Meet disability requirements
Define private health insurance
PHI is a type of insurance under which members pay a premium in return for payment towards health related costs not covered by medicare.
PHI incentives
- Private Health Insurance Rebate
- Lifetime Health Cover
- Medicare Levy Surcharge
- Age-Based Discount
Private health insurance Rebate
Income tested rebate on premiums
Lifetime Health Cover
People who take out PHI after the age of 31 pay an extra 2 % on premiums for every year over 30
Advantages of PHI
- Choice of doctor in hospital
- Shorter waiting times
- Incentives
- Enables access to private hospital care
- Alternative treatments
Age-based Discount
2% reduction in premiums for each year that the person is aged under 30, up to 10%
Disadvantages of PHI
- Costly
- Gap
- Qualifing periods
- Confusing
Key considerations of a sustainable health system
- Funding and regulation
- Efficient health system and workforce
- Disease prevention and early intervention
- Research and monitoring
What is an accessible health system
One that ensures all people recieve timely quality health care, based on need, not ability to pay, geographic location, or SES group
How is geographical access increased
- Royal flying doctor service
- Rural retention program (bribery)
How is culturally appropriate healthcare increased for Indigenous Australians?
- Close the gap (more training for ATSI)
- Indigenous health initiative (bribery to make healthcare appropriate)
