The Federal Seniors Health Insurance Card Act goes into effect today. (Picture/SBS)
With the increase of the income threshold of the Commonwealth Seniors Healthcare Card (Commonwealth Seniors Healthcare Card), tens of thousands of additional elderly people will receive cheaper healthcare services. The changes, an election promise by the Albanese government, mean high earners will be eligible for subsidized health care and medicines,
SBS Chinese reported.
Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth (Amanda Rishworth) said she hopes to create a better Australia where no one is disadvantaged, especially the elderly.
Who can use the Federal Elderly Health Insurance Card?
Anyone over the age of 66.5 who does not receive a Social Security pension or benefit can apply for the Federal Seniors Medicare Card. Applicants must be living in Australia at the time of receipt of this card and hold Australian citizenship, permanent residency or a special category visa. Newly arrived residents may have to wait up to four years for the card.
Commonwealth senior health card holders can get discounted prescription drugs through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). People usually get rebates on medical expenses through Midecare, and cardholders will be able to get even more rebates.
Authorities encourage general practitioners to provide full reimbursement (Bulk billing) services for card holders.
What are the changes and who will benefit?
Under the new income limit, single people whose income does not exceed 90,000 Australian dollars will be able to apply for the federal elderly medical insurance card and enjoy corresponding discounts, while the previous income limit was nearly 58,000 (57761 ) Australian dollars; for both spouses, the income threshold has risen from about 92,000 (92,416) Australian dollars to 144,000 Australian dollars.
The move will benefit an extra 44,000 older people and cost the federal budget $69.4 million over the next four years.
When will it go into effect?
The senior health care card bill passed the Senate last week and goes into effect Friday.
Previously, the government lowered the cost of medicines that people need to pay. Earlier this year, the government slashed the maximum out-of-pocket amount in the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme by $12.50.
Former Prime MinisterScott Morrison(Scott Morrison) promised to expand the coverage of the elderly health insurance card before the general election, and the Labor Party quickly followed suit.
editor: Yin Sha
