Medicare
What is Medicare?
Medicare is Australia’s universal health insurance scheme.
What is Private Health Insurance
Private health insurance is a type of insurance for which members pay a premium (or fee) in return for
payment towards health-related costs not covered by Medicare.
List 5 different community services
Doctors
Places of Worship
Maternal Health and Child Services
Headspace
Sporting and other recreational clubs and associations
List 3 measurements of health status
Mortality
Morbidity
Life Expectancy
What is a scheduled fee
The amount Medicare contributes towards treatments
List 3 services covered by Medicare
GP Visits
Eye tests
X-Rays
List advantage and disadvantage
Advantage = Shorter waiting times
Disadvantage = Expensive
Explain how a community service could improve 1 dimension of health and wellbeing
link service to dimension of health
eg: Places of worship allow individuals to find a sense of belonging. This would enhance their spiritual health and wellbeing
Explain how Medicare promotes access
Medicare promotes access all essential services. Individuals can access services regardless of gender, religion, age etc.
Example: Offers telehealth GP consults to allow more individuals access (those who live remotely)
What is the Medicare Safety Net
Ensures people who require frequent services covered by Medicare (such as GP visits) receive additional financial support.
Explain one advantage and one disadvantage of Medicare
+ Reduced cost for essential medical services including free treatment and accommodation in a public hospital
- No Choice of doctor for in hospital care
Explain the 3 incentives to join PHI
- Rebate
- Lifetime Cover
- Medicare Levy Surcharge
Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights
List 3 rights
Access
Safety
Respect
Explain how Medicare promotes funding
Answer should mention only covering essential services/not over spending
Explain Bulk Billing
When the doctor or specialist charges only the Schedule fee. The payment is claimed directly from Medicare so there are no out-of-pocket expenses for the patient
Explain how Medicare impacts the health status of Australia
Answer should connect Medicare to increased access to healthcare = reduces morbidity and/or mortality
Explain why the government wants individuals to join PHI
Answer should mention reduces pressure on the public health system
Explain how the Australia Charter of Healthcare Rights improves the health status of Australia
Should discuss how it can improve access/increase the likelihood of individuals accessing/receiving healthcare/treatment therefore improving mortality or morbidity
What does PBS stand for and what is it?
Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme
Subsidizes/reduces the costs of essential medication
Explain the two reasons that healthcare professionals can breach privacy/confidentiality laws
1.If the patient or someone else’s health and wellbeing or safety are seriously threatened
2.When the information will reduce or prevent a serious threat to public health or safety