BettyBoop

We are having a battle with Medicare over whether we have to pay the levy for our tax this year. We are on the SIR visa and were granted an exemption n our first year o this visa.
I have now spoken to them on the phone, and they say i should not have received this and they will need to reclaim this amount from us.

They stated because we have an interim Medicare card this means we have to pay the levy, can anyone shed some light, please

BB

Seachanger

My understanding is that if you are entitled to Medicare under the reciprocal arrangements, you still pay the levy. I'm on an SIR visa and pay the levy, which seems fair enough as I use the service.

BettyBoop

We have went to Doctor's just a few times luckily since we've been here and have just paid the full amount to the doctor's surgery, advising them that we were not eligible. Does this now mean we can claim some of this money back?

What happens when visitors claim the reciprocal health care agreement? Do they pay the Medicare levy?

BB

bcworld

If you are entitled to Medicare should get about $32 back per consultation I think.

http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/gener...visa-works.htm

'SIR visa holders from countries with which Australia has a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement will have restricted access to Medicare.'

...don't know what the restrictions are though.

sel

http://www.ato.gov.au/individuals/co...&mfp=&st=&cy=1

http://www.health.gov.au/internet/wc...htm#migrated_0

Seachanger

Check this website for details of the reciprocal cover

http://www.aodgp.gov.au/internet/wcm...ors#reciprocal

When I arrived in Oz I went to the local Medicare office and they registered me for Medicare under the RHCA (reciprocal health care agreement) between Oz and the UK. They sent me a Medicare card (which says that it is under the RHCA) covering the whole family which expires when my visa does. It covers immediately necessary medical treatment. Luckily we have not had to use the service much, but my children have needed occasional trips to the GP - our GP bulk bills so we pay nothing for consultations and we have just paid the relevant charge for any prescriptions under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. One child had to have outpatient hospital care, but as it was at a public hospital we were not required to pay anything.

If you still have your receipts you will probably be able to claim back some of the costs you have incurred and it would be worth you visiting your local Medicare office with your passport/visa to sort out a card.

northernbird

be careful with expiry dates. our medicare card here in WA is renewable annually.

worzel

We were given 7 years on ours.

Still we will all be on identity cards (they don't call them that of course) soon anyway.

northernbird

I think ours is like that because of our temp status.

BettyBoop

Thanks for all replies but having checked the websites it is still unclear about whether you pay the levy whilst on the sir visa or not, and if you do pay the levy can you then ask Medicare for a refund on private doctor consultations.....?
I may take a trip in to the local Medicare office in town...I'm sure they will know...not!

Cheers
BB

sel

Who granted you an exemption on your first year ??? I thought that was only for PR visa holders ?? Anyway, do you have this exemption in writing ??