Medicare and Medicare Levy
Feb 4th 2008, 1:51 am
#1
Banned
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2002
Location: USA
Posts: 913
Medicare and Medicare Levy
Hi,
All Australians must pay Medicare levy each month (without exception) to tax office from their salaries but in return medicare really doesnt do anything. Medicare is a completely useless and its only used as a 100 point identity card at least for myself and many Australians.
Medicare even doesn't cover treatment at some general practicioners and most specialists, medical treatment at private hospitals, medical treatment by some specialists in public hospitals, Hospital accommodation, medical expenses and theatre fees at private hospitals, Emergency ambulance transportation and on-the-spot treatment, day-to-day health services such as optical, dental, physiotherapy, natural therapies and so on.
Why dont they stop taking Medicare levy charges from our pocket and ask everybody to buy their Private Medical Health cover as mandatory?
Please comment
Thanks,
All Australians must pay Medicare levy each month (without exception) to tax office from their salaries but in return medicare really doesnt do anything. Medicare is a completely useless and its only used as a 100 point identity card at least for myself and many Australians.
Medicare even doesn't cover treatment at some general practicioners and most specialists, medical treatment at private hospitals, medical treatment by some specialists in public hospitals, Hospital accommodation, medical expenses and theatre fees at private hospitals, Emergency ambulance transportation and on-the-spot treatment, day-to-day health services such as optical, dental, physiotherapy, natural therapies and so on.
Why dont they stop taking Medicare levy charges from our pocket and ask everybody to buy their Private Medical Health cover as mandatory?
Please comment
Thanks,
Feb 4th 2008, 2:03 am
#2
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,225
Re: Medicare and Medicare Levy
Hi, we're on temp visas and are paying for medicare twice - once through salary deductions and again through our private health care payments, which is why temp visa holders can claim back their levvies at the end of the tax year (or so I've been told)
Don't know the answer really, guess Medicare is just a safety net? Not had need to use it yet but aren't GP visits free? that's something that is still charged for over the ditch.
Don't know the answer really, guess Medicare is just a safety net? Not had need to use it yet but aren't GP visits free? that's something that is still charged for over the ditch.
Feb 4th 2008, 2:07 am
#3
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Sep 2007
Location: Canberra
Posts: 8,378
Re: Medicare and Medicare Levy
A little harsh methinks.
Medicare covers basic medical costs - if you are hard up and unable to pay then you are covered by bulk billing. If you can afford to pay a bit and go to a GP then you are covered to the tune of about $30 per appointment but you have to cover the balance.
If you are really sick and need a hospital then Medicare will cover all your costs you just dont get the benefits of a doctor of your choice and you may be stuck in a multi bed ward. If you are really strapped for cash, you can get seen at A & E for free but expect a wait if it is only your tonsils that are paining you.
You can avoid paying the 1% surcharge by taking out private medical insurance but otherwise you are not getting a bad deal. The benefits of a universal health care system far outweigh those of a fundamentally private system - for everyone! I usually subscribe to a "user pays" model for things but I think with our combination of options with an encouragement for people to take responsibility for their own health coverage we do sort of get the best of both worlds.
Medicare covers basic medical costs - if you are hard up and unable to pay then you are covered by bulk billing. If you can afford to pay a bit and go to a GP then you are covered to the tune of about $30 per appointment but you have to cover the balance.
If you are really sick and need a hospital then Medicare will cover all your costs you just dont get the benefits of a doctor of your choice and you may be stuck in a multi bed ward. If you are really strapped for cash, you can get seen at A & E for free but expect a wait if it is only your tonsils that are paining you.
You can avoid paying the 1% surcharge by taking out private medical insurance but otherwise you are not getting a bad deal. The benefits of a universal health care system far outweigh those of a fundamentally private system - for everyone! I usually subscribe to a "user pays" model for things but I think with our combination of options with an encouragement for people to take responsibility for their own health coverage we do sort of get the best of both worlds.
Feb 4th 2008, 2:08 am
#4
no longer searching
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 2,030
Re: Medicare and Medicare Levy
I'm feeling hungry, so I will bite. 
In the last 2 yrs
Medicare has covered the maternity care (apart from about $100) & the birth of my son and aftercare.
It has covered the emergency care (scans, test etc), operation (10 hrs after diagnosis), 6 days in hospital, and follow up consultant app (ok cost $50 as someone nicked the money on the ward, but can't blame medicare for that)
It has covered checks for my daughter in the middle of the night, and reassured me she was alright.
And the government does in effect make it compulsory to purchase private cover with the levy it will charge if you don't and earn over $50k single/$100k family
In the last 2 yrs
Medicare has covered the maternity care (apart from about $100) & the birth of my son and aftercare.
It has covered the emergency care (scans, test etc), operation (10 hrs after diagnosis), 6 days in hospital, and follow up consultant app (ok cost $50 as someone nicked the money on the ward, but can't blame medicare for that)
It has covered checks for my daughter in the middle of the night, and reassured me she was alright.
And the government does in effect make it compulsory to purchase private cover with the levy it will charge if you don't and earn over $50k single/$100k family
Feb 4th 2008, 2:10 am
#5
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Sep 2007
Location: Canberra
Posts: 8,378
Re: Medicare and Medicare Levy
Hi, we're on temp visas and are paying for medicare twice - once through salary deductions and again through our private health care payments, which is why temp visa holders can claim back their levvies at the end of the tax year (or so I've been told)
Don't know the answer really, guess Medicare is just a safety net? Not had need to use it yet but aren't GP visits free? that's something that is still charged for over the ditch.
Don't know the answer really, guess Medicare is just a safety net? Not had need to use it yet but aren't GP visits free? that's something that is still charged for over the ditch.
Generally GP visits are not free. There are a few doctors who "bulk bill" but more practices where they do not bulk bill - cost usually $50 - $60 to be paid by you but then a medicare refund of about $30.
Feb 4th 2008, 2:18 am
#6
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Nov 2005
Location: at the bottom of a wine glass
Posts: 28,176
Re: Medicare and Medicare Levy
I've been to the doctors every three months since I arrived (that'a bout 6 or 7 times), I've had blood tests, scans, ultrasounds and am about to go in for a minor op - I've paid $30 so far.
Maybe we could just put the rate up to 11% for those that complain and make all treatment free for them.? (I will continue to pay 1.5% and take my chances though, thanks
)
Maybe we could just put the rate up to 11% for those that complain and make all treatment free for them.? (I will continue to pay 1.5% and take my chances though, thanks
)
Feb 4th 2008, 2:24 am
#7
Banned
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2002
Location: USA
Posts: 913
Re: Medicare and Medicare Levy
A little harsh methinks.
Medicare covers basic medical costs - if you are hard up and unable to pay then you are covered by bulk billing. If you can afford to pay a bit and go to a GP then you are covered to the tune of about $30 per appointment but you have to cover the balance.
If you are really sick and need a hospital then Medicare will cover all your costs you just dont get the benefits of a doctor of your choice and you may be stuck in a multi bed ward. If you are really strapped for cash, you can get seen at A & E for free but expect a wait if it is only your tonsils that are paining you.
You can avoid paying the 1% surcharge by taking out private medical insurance but otherwise you are not getting a bad deal. The benefits of a universal health care system far outweigh those of a fundamentally private system - for everyone! I usually subscribe to a "user pays" model for things but I think with our combination of options with an encouragement for people to take responsibility for their own health coverage we do sort of get the best of both worlds.
Medicare covers basic medical costs - if you are hard up and unable to pay then you are covered by bulk billing. If you can afford to pay a bit and go to a GP then you are covered to the tune of about $30 per appointment but you have to cover the balance.
If you are really sick and need a hospital then Medicare will cover all your costs you just dont get the benefits of a doctor of your choice and you may be stuck in a multi bed ward. If you are really strapped for cash, you can get seen at A & E for free but expect a wait if it is only your tonsils that are paining you.
You can avoid paying the 1% surcharge by taking out private medical insurance but otherwise you are not getting a bad deal. The benefits of a universal health care system far outweigh those of a fundamentally private system - for everyone! I usually subscribe to a "user pays" model for things but I think with our combination of options with an encouragement for people to take responsibility for their own health coverage we do sort of get the best of both worlds.
Feb 4th 2008, 2:37 am
#8
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,225
Re: Medicare and Medicare Levy
Everyone pays twice if they have private medical - your private insurance doesnt insure against GP visits, just hospital cover. Nothing to do with the temporary nature of your visa. You are covered by Medicare under the reciprocal agreement with UK.
Generally GP visits are not free. There are a few doctors who "bulk bill" but more practices where they do not bulk bill - cost usually $50 - $60 to be paid by you but then a medicare refund of about $30.
Generally GP visits are not free. There are a few doctors who "bulk bill" but more practices where they do not bulk bill - cost usually $50 - $60 to be paid by you but then a medicare refund of about $30.
If we were to visit a GP who didn't bulk bill we'd get a medicare refund of approx 30 dollars but wouldn't be able to claim anything for the remainder from Medibank....is that right?
Feb 4th 2008, 2:45 am
#9
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Sep 2007
Location: Canberra
Posts: 8,378
Re: Medicare and Medicare Levy
Thank you, we've only used dental services so far, much of the medical set-up in Oz is a mystery to me.
If we were to visit a GP who didn't bulk bill we'd get a medicare refund of approx 30 dollars but wouldn't be able to claim anything for the remainder from Medibank....is that right?
If we were to visit a GP who didn't bulk bill we'd get a medicare refund of approx 30 dollars but wouldn't be able to claim anything for the remainder from Medibank....is that right?
Medicare will reimburse a portion of medical expenses incurred in a hospital visit and the private insurance will then reimburse some of the remainder. I am not sure whether we have an effective (affordable) gap cover anywhere at the moment so there will always be a bit of a gap to be paid by you.
Feb 4th 2008, 2:53 am
#10
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Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2002
Location: USA
Posts: 913
Re: Medicare and Medicare Levy
Yes, medibank private, mbf or any of the other private medical insurance companies will only refund for the fees associated with hospital admissions and costs. Your cover may also have a dental, optical, complementary therapies package etc as well which are services not covered by medicare and some of the costs for those services will be reimbursed.
Medicare will reimburse a portion of medical expenses incurred in a hospital visit and the private insurance will then reimburse some of the remainder. I am not sure whether we have an effective (affordable) gap cover anywhere at the moment so there will always be a bit of a gap to be paid by you.
Medicare will reimburse a portion of medical expenses incurred in a hospital visit and the private insurance will then reimburse some of the remainder. I am not sure whether we have an effective (affordable) gap cover anywhere at the moment so there will always be a bit of a gap to be paid by you.
Feb 4th 2008, 3:01 am
#11
Crazy Cat Lady
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 65,493
Re: Medicare and Medicare Levy
Medicare have been brilliant for us. All my daughter's treatment has been 'free' including a MRI at the local private hospital which should have cost around the $10 grand mark. I have no problem paying $30 or so to see the doctor when I want rather than in three weeks time as it used to be for us in the UK. Even my daughter's appointment with her consultant was subsidised by Medicare which I was amazed by.
Where are you from Smurtaza? What was the health service like there?
Where are you from Smurtaza? What was the health service like there?
Feb 4th 2008, 4:17 am
#12
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Medicare and Medicare Levy
Medicare is a great institution, they have taken care of all the bills when my step father has been ill. His bills would have run into the tens of thousands over the years.
I for one dont mind contributing to this government fund.
I for one dont mind contributing to this government fund.
Feb 4th 2008, 4:28 am
#13
Joined: Jan 2005
Location: Asia Pacific
Posts: 4,922
Re: Medicare and Medicare Levy
Hi,
All Australians must pay Medicare levy each month (without exception) to tax office from their salaries but in return medicare really doesnt do anything. Medicare is a completely useless and its only used as a 100 point identity card at least for myself and many Australians.
Medicare even doesn't cover treatment at some general practicioners and most specialists, medical treatment at private hospitals, medical treatment by some specialists in public hospitals, Hospital accommodation, medical expenses and theatre fees at private hospitals, Emergency ambulance transportation and on-the-spot treatment, day-to-day health services such as optical, dental, physiotherapy, natural therapies and so on.
Why dont they stop taking Medicare levy charges from our pocket and ask everybody to buy their Private Medical Health cover as mandatory?
Please comment
Thanks,
All Australians must pay Medicare levy each month (without exception) to tax office from their salaries but in return medicare really doesnt do anything. Medicare is a completely useless and its only used as a 100 point identity card at least for myself and many Australians.
Medicare even doesn't cover treatment at some general practicioners and most specialists, medical treatment at private hospitals, medical treatment by some specialists in public hospitals, Hospital accommodation, medical expenses and theatre fees at private hospitals, Emergency ambulance transportation and on-the-spot treatment, day-to-day health services such as optical, dental, physiotherapy, natural therapies and so on.
Why dont they stop taking Medicare levy charges from our pocket and ask everybody to buy their Private Medical Health cover as mandatory?
Please comment
Thanks,
Not everyone can afford private medical insurance and a lot of cheaper policies will only cover you for very basic things and not include extra covers such as dental and the like. Medicare is there for the basic things in life, not for the best treatment money can buy. Same the world over - comparing any state funded system to private is pointless.
Medicare is a good system in my opinion and much better than the British NHS and a halfway compromise between that and the USA.
Feb 4th 2008, 5:03 am
#14
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 9,316
Re: Medicare and Medicare Levy
Feb 4th 2008, 7:44 am
#15
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Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2002
Location: USA
Posts: 913
Re: Medicare and Medicare Levy
Comparing a state national health scheme like medicare with private medical insurance is like comparing apples to oranges. They both do different things.
Not everyone can afford private medical insurance and a lot of cheaper policies will only cover you for very basic things and not include extra covers such as dental and the like. Medicare is there for the basic things in life, not for the best treatment money can buy. Same the world over - comparing any state funded system to private is pointless.
Medicare is a good system in my opinion and much better than the British NHS and a halfway compromise between that and the USA.
Not everyone can afford private medical insurance and a lot of cheaper policies will only cover you for very basic things and not include extra covers such as dental and the like. Medicare is there for the basic things in life, not for the best treatment money can buy. Same the world over - comparing any state funded system to private is pointless.
Medicare is a good system in my opinion and much better than the British NHS and a halfway compromise between that and the USA.