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Australian Government Coat of Arms

Budget | 2014-15

Budget 2014-15
Australian Government Coat of Arms, Budget 2014-15
  1. budget.gov.au
  2. 2014‑15
  3. Health
  4. Summary of patient contributions and safety net

Summary of patient contributions and safety net

All savings will go to the new $20 billion Medical Research Future Fund

Patient Contributions (previously bulk-billed patients)
Patient contribution
  • $7 for each currently bulk‑billed service from 1 July 2015
  • Capped at 10 services per calendar year for concessional patients and children under 16 years.
Services
  • Standard GP consultations and out-of-hospital pathology and diagnostic imaging services
Safety net
  • $7 patient contribution will not count towards the Medicare Safety Net
MBS rebates
  • Reduced by $5 (providers get an extra $2 when they charge the full $7)
  • Rebate increases once concessional patients reach 10 services per calendar year

 

Medicare Safety Net
  New Medicare Safety Net Existing Extended Medicare Safety Net
  (2016) (2016 estimate*)
Concessional patient $400 $654.30*
Family Tax Benefit Part A family $700 $654.30*
General single $700 $2,050**
General family $1,000 $2,050**

* Estimates for MBS safety nets thresholds in 2016 are subject to indexation by the Consumer Price Index.

** Subject to passage of legislation.

For further information on the introduction of patient contributions for Medicare, and the new Medicare Safety Net, visit www.humanservices.gov.au/budget or phone the Medicare general enquiry line on 132 011.

For more information on the PBS co-payments and safety nets phone the PBS information line on 1800 020 613 or visit www.pbs.gov.au.