jad n rich

Blood tests as of Nov 1 will go the same way as dental, no longer covered by medicare.

Blood tests will cost between $40 and $100, no exemptions, no matter how chronic, ongoing or life threatning the condition. That frankly IMO is shocking.

If medicare isnt in a state of crisis I dont know what is

esperanza

that's what private health insurance is for!

jad n rich

IME private health insurance does not cover blood tests.

While on the subject of private health insurance, one of the biggest funds Medibank Private has just sent out letters that it will ( subject to approval ) become a "For profit fund", instead of non profit. Call me sceptical but it doesnt take much imagination to wonder what will happend to the benefits and premiums after that!!

esperanza

Quite agree, all insurance schemes are ripoffs (until you need them, anyway) - but the way I see medicare, it's just not trying to be free healthcare, more subsidised for those who have no money. For people who have some money, we're expected to make sacrifices to pay for our own medical care, upfront or thru insurance. If blood tests become chargeable, then the insurance policies will start to include them.

And if the costs go over a couple of grand then fly back to use the NHS? Only slightly joking there....

donna

shite thats not good news for me as i need ongoing blood test before a new prescription is issued.

jad n rich

Exactly why I posted it. People need to know. I have a recall after a serious infection and need 9 blood tests in August, lets hope they dont call me back again after NOV 1.

Imagine people with diabeties, cancer, lupus etc etc who need regular testing often monthly or weekly.

I dont think many people realise the seriousness of this.

moneypenny20

Jad, have you got a link confirming this information?

Bernieboy

ABCDiamond

The Medicare site has nothing about this

And Google only found something in 2008 about paying for blood tests.

Is there a link anywhere ?

ABCDiamond

There was an article yesterday in the ABC, about the reduction in Medicare rebate for blood tests... But this was only about the Pathology companies wanting to only Bulk Bill those patients that have concession cards.
Everyone one else, if this happened, would have to claim the rebate back from Medicare.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2...20/2631276.htm

jad n rich

Was a small mention of it on news last night, not sky one of the 7/9/10 type channels. However I already knew about it through work.

ABCDiamond

From 1 November 2009,

On average, the Medicare benefits per pathology episode, including both collection and test fees, will decrease from $69.17 to $66.26, a difference of $2.91 per episode.

http://www.health.gov.au/internet/bu...9-hmedia14.htm

IvanM

I think this is what you are talking about which is entirely different. Crisis over?

http://news.theage.com.au/breaking-n...0720-dqee.html

Amazulu

Yep.

jad n rich

You will find some pathology collection centres are already trying to charge people unless they have a health care/vet affairs type card.

Most Doctors do not write 'please bulk bill this patient' on the pathology request, I have never seen that. Soon ( and some are already doing it as I just said ) - if you dont have the aforementioned cards, you will be asked to pay up.

Something those who have blood tests often will need to know.