BarryBen

Hi everyone,

We're moving to Australia mid next month and have read the info from a number of posters around not registering for Medicare for a week or so following arrival. We have a slight query around this, as we have a 3 month old baby daughter who needs hypoallergenic baby formula due to a milk protein intolerance (it's called Nutramigen in the UK; it doesn't seem to be the same in Australia but there are equivalents). These formulas are prescription only and we won't be able to fit many tins in our cases, so we'll need to see a GP fairly early on.

Has anyone else been in this position? Can we go to a GP before we register for Medicare and then charge costs back after the event, or do we have to wait? Does anyone know if these formulas are even covered by Medicare?

Thanks,
Ben

Alfresco

Hi Ben and Welcome to BE.

Can you not register soon after you arrive?

Medicare Service Centres are usually open from 9am - 5pm Mon - Fri and some are open on Saturdays, for a while.

http://humanservices.findnearest.com.au/

We registered the next day.

Dorothy

Why would you wait to register for Medicare?

rasen78

Yes, you can go to a GP before registering for Medicare and claim the money back. We did this when we arrived. DD had picked up an ear infection, and I got pharyngitis so after arriving on the Tuesday, was at the docs on the Weds morning, then off to Medicare to register on the Thursday (might even have been Weds afternoon!). Money was back in our account within 24 hrs But as previous posters have mentioned, Medicare are open every day, with larger centres open on Saturdays also, so you shouldn't have a problem sorting that out ASAP

quoll

Looks like you won't get the exact brand but apparently the equivalent is Neocate which is by prescription http://www.pbs.gov.au/medicine/item/...1C-8754R-8755T and you will be paying $35 per prescription for it so it won't be free.

IvanM

Hi

My kids used to be on Neocate which has no protein. On a normal script the cost is horrendous. You may need to get an authoritative script from a paediatrician which will bring the cost down to $35 a month. The rules around authoritative scripts vary. Basically get a good supply from UK, sign up for medicare between the plane and the GP and get a referral to a paediatrician or immunologist.

If you know anyone here try and get a name of a good GP, paediatrician or immunologist. You will need to knock some doors down and break through waiting lists or turn up at A&E to get into the system. Again I suggest getting a good supply to last until you get into the system.

Medicare will give you a number as long as you have enough ID and proof of residency. You will get a temp number straight away.

BarryBen

Amazing advice everyone, thanks!

Seems we can register as soon as we arrive, we are fortunate enough to be being put up for our first few months by my new employer so as soon as I have the address through I'll find the local Medicare office.

IvanM, really helpful thanks. Do you know if private medical changes any of what you write - given I have to have this as a 457 visa holder anyway, I was wondering if this takes away some of the difficulty you describe?

quoll

You are unlikely to find private health which will cover you for a pre-existing condition anyway but most private health funds dont cover the generic rate of medicare prescriptions (the PBS says it will be $35.40 to you each prescription which will be 400g worth by the look of the schedule) - they only cover a small portion of the added cost of meds over the base rate. But, as mentioned, they are unlikely to cover costs incurred from a pre-existing condition.

Jilliebee

If you can't fit it in your suitcase, it may well be worth shipping it to yourself (once you have your address) x

James516

The other thing is that if your baby has significant medical care needs you should apply for Carer's allowance from Centrelink (and the GP will need to fill in part of the application). This may entitle your baby to a health care card, which brings their prescriptions down to $6.90 or so.

Dorothy

On a 457 they're not entitled to Centrelink.

IvanM

Not on a 457.

IvanM

457s change everything.

I do not know what authoritative scripts are available on a 457. Private health is different on 457s. Authoritative scripts are for expensive, dangerous or non standard doses. As you know one can a month will get you nowhere.

You can get one can at $35 on standard scripts. I remember using up to 16 cans a month. Medicare on a 457 is different.

DibDob

http://www.chemist.net/Pharmacy/vita...?flagAddCart=Y

You could try an online uk chemist that ships to aus like the one above, think its only 15 pounds for shipping not bad if you bulk buy!

IvanM

The issue is the cost of neocate. You can get script without issue here. The key is to get an authoritative script which gives you a months worth for 35.