Re: Medicare - Registration Problems
 

Oh hell. I've found out from the health insurance fund I'm hoping to get cover with (to avoid medicare levy surcharge) that I need a letter from Medicare confirming that I became eligible for medicare benefits when I became a permanent resident. I have a horrible feeling this may prove difficult, as we became eligible before we got PR (ie when we were in the application process and already living in Australia) and are still classed as being 'interim'. Wish me luck with my dealings with the dreaded bureaucracy otherwise knows as Medicare. :rolleyes:

Re: Medicare - Registration Problems
 

Which fund is that Chels, if you don't mind me asking? I havn't even begun to look into healthcare funds yet, so I have no idea what to look for...

I don't think that I am going to escape the lifetime loading, as I validated in 2003, but didn't move here until this year. I did put on my form date of taking up residence as being 29th of July this year. I'll have to see how I go...

S

Re: Medicare - Registration Problems
 

You might be okay, because the health fund seemed more interested in when I got my medicare card rather than PR (hey, both were bloddy difficult to get so I see where they're coming from). Keep quiet about it...

Looking at two options - NIB and Medibank. Decided to get a basic hospital and extras cover, have to get the hospital cover to avoid the medicare levy surcharge (did my tax return tonight - ouch, the medicare costs sting! Over a $1000 I owe the tax man) decided it was worth getting extras as I'll use it towards glasses / contact lenses, need to see a dentist (3 years since last visit), may possible need root canal stuff, and a few other bits and pieces that will hopefully mean that I get some benefits from the cover (I don't plan to use the hospital cover if I can avoid it!).

Costs - looks like about $12 a week. OH is also looking, but he hasn't got dodgy eyes and teeth so will probably go for a more basic cover with NIB that gives him less extras, $10 a week.