Who is responsible for the overall coordination of the Australian health care system?
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Medicare is Australia’s universal health care system, introduced in 1984 to provide eligible Australian residents with affordable, accessible and high-quality health care. Show
Medicare was established on the understanding that all Australians should contribute to the cost of health care according to their ability to pay. It is financed through progressive income taxes and an income-related Medicare levy. Medicare provides access to:
Some services under Medicare and at public hospitals have long waiting lists - for this and other reasons many Australians have private medical insurance as well as being able to access the benefits of Medicare. Medicare benefits are paid based on a comprehensive list of services and corresponding benefits; the Medicare Benefit Schedule (MBS). If the medical practitioner provides an eligible service such as a consultation at the MBS recommended fee the patient pays no fee at the point of care and this is often referred to as bulk billing. If the medical practitioner provides a service and elects to charge more than the MBS recommended fee the patient pays the higher fee and then claims back the MBS fee from Medicare. Doctors in private practice are largely free to determine the number of rebateable services they provide and the fees they charge to patients. More information about Medicare for health professionals is available using the Medicare eLearning service. Medicare Provider NumbersAny medical practitioner working in private practice in Australia must have a Medicare Provider Number. This will allow a doctor to:
Where the doctor satisfies the legislative requirements, their provider number may also be used to attract Medicare rebates for professional services rendered (that is, treatment of private patients). International Medical Graduates (IMGs) are subject to Medicare Provider Number restrictions if they require the latter type of provider number listed above. These Medicare Provider Number restrictions affect where an IMG can work in Australia and are determined by both residency status and when the IMG first registered in Australia. Medicare Provider Numbers are issued by Medicare Australia, formerly known as the Health Insurance Commission (HIC), after an IMG has been offered a job and has obtained the relevant Medical Board registration. Pharmaceutical Benefits SchemeThe two major national subsidy schemes, Medicare and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), subsidise payments for services provided by doctors and optometrists, and for many prescription medications bought from pharmacies. Safety nets apply for Medicare and the PBS to protect Australians from high out-of-pocket costs for medical services and pharmaceuticals provided outside of hospitals. These two schemes are further integrated with social welfare arrangements, with larger rebates and/or lower safety net thresholds provided for individuals or families who receive certain income support payments (such as for unemployment or disability). Additional information about the PBS can be found by accessing The PBS and You. This is a stand alone educational resource, comprising 33 units of education, that allows for individual, self-paced learning in the users own environment. Are my family and I eligible to access Medicare benefits?People who reside in Australia - excluding Norfolk Island - are eligible if they:
Reciprocal Health Care Agreements — the Australian Government has signed Reciprocal Health Care Agreements with some countries. Under these arrangements, residents of these countries are entitled to restricted access to health cover while visiting Australia. For more information go to the visitors travelling to Australia section of the Department of Human Services website. How do I enrol?To enrol in Medicare you need to fill out an enrolment form (PDF 193KB). Forms are also available from your local Medicare office. If you haven’t yet applied for permanent residency in Australia or if you come here on a temporary visa, you should purchase health insurance cover to protect yourself and your family for any unforeseen medical expenses. Australian private health insurance for overseas visitors is available from Australian registered health organisations, insurance brokers and general insurers.  Who is responsible for providing healthcare services?1. Public Health Care Services. Every state government has Health Care Centres in villages and multi-speciality hospitals in large metros, which provide free or low-cost healthcare facilities such as treatment of diseases, conducting an essential test and providing medicines.
Who or what has more responsibility for the health outcomes of Australians?The Australian and state and territory governments broadly share responsibility for funding, operating, managing and regulating the health system.
Which Organisation is responsible for Medicare in Australia?Medicare is the publicly-funded universal health care insurance scheme in Australia, operated by the nation's social security department, Services Australia.
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