Medicare (Australia)

Medicare (Australia) is the publicly funded universal health care system in Australia. Operated by the Department of Human Services, Medicare is the primary funder of health care in Australia, funding primary health care for Australian citizens and permanent residents (except for those on visitor visas).

History

Medicare was introduced by the Hawke Labor Government in 1984 as Australia's public health cover system. It was intended to provide affordable and quality health care for all Australians, regardless of their personal circumstances.

Coverage

Medicare provides access to a range of medical services, lower cost prescriptions and free care as a public patient in a public hospital. It ensures all Australians have access to free or low-cost medical, optometrical and hospital care, while also providing support for people with chronic conditions managing their conditions.

Funding

Medicare is funded by a Medicare levy, which is currently 2% of a person's taxable income. The levy is paid by Australian taxpayers who have an income above a certain threshold. In addition to the levy, the government also contributes a large amount of funding towards Medicare out of general revenue.

Medicare Card

The Medicare Card is a card issued by the government to individuals enrolled in the Medicare program. It contains the individual's Medicare number and other identifying information. The card is used when receiving medical services that are covered by Medicare.

Medicare Benefits Schedule

The Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) is a list of the medical services for which the Australian government will provide a Medicare rebate, subject to the legislation and rules contained in the Health Insurance Act 1973 and the Health Insurance Regulations 1975.

Criticisms

Despite its successes, Medicare has been the subject of criticism. Some argue that it does not provide sufficient coverage for certain treatments or medications. Others argue that the system is underfunded and that this leads to long waiting times for certain procedures.

See also

• Health care in Australia
• Public health in Australia
• Department of Health (Australia)

References

Medicare (Australia) Resources
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