Medicare
What is Medicare?
Australia's universal health insurance scheme that provides free or subsidised healthcare.
What does PBS stand for?
Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme
What is private health insurance?
Insurance people pay for that covers additional health services not fully funded by Medicare.
Who can access Medicare
All Australians and permanent residents
People from countries with reciprocal agreements (e.g., New Zealand, UK, Ireland, etc.)
What is the main purpose of PBS?
To make essential medicines affordable by subsidising their cost.
List the 2 main types of Private Health Insurance
Hospital cover – Covers treatment in private hospitals.
Extras cover – Pays for services like dental, physiotherapy, and chiropractic care (not covered by Medicare).
What is bulk-billing?
Bulk billing: No out-of-pocket cost if a doctor charges only the schedule fee eg. $41.40 for a standard GP visit
What does it mean when a medicine is "subsidised" under the PBS?
The government pays part of the cost so the patient pays less.
What is the Medicare Levy Surcharge?
An extra tax (1-1.5%) on high income earners who don't have private health insurance
Name one service Medicare does cover and one Medicare does not
Some sample examples:
Does cover: GP visits, public hospital treatment
Does NOT cover: dental, physio, psychology
It allows all Australians to access essential medicines regardless of income.
Explain two advantages of having private health insurance
Choice of doctor / hospital
Shorter waiting times
Covers some extras like dental/physio
How is Medicare funded?
Through general taxes, the Medicare Levy (2% of taxable income) and the Medicare Levy Surcharge.
Evaluate how the PBS improves physical health and wellbeing.
affordable medicines treat illness and improve health
Discuss one advantage and one disadvantage of private health insurance for individuals with LOW income
Advantage: faster access to treatment
Disadvantage: additional costs might be unaffordable