RE: Uni Health Care
July 21, 2009 at 11:00 pm
(This post was last modified: July 21, 2009 at 11:02 pm by Oldandeasilyconfused.)
Australia has had universal health care for over 40 years, called "Medicare".
ALL emergency treatment is free in public hospitals.There can be a wait of over 2 years for elective treatment.(for conditions not immediately life threatening)
All doctors are paid a set fee for all services,but may (and most do) charge above the set fee. Some doctors accept the government payment,(mine does) this is called "bulk billing".The patient pays nothing for a consult. Doctors operating on public patients are paid a set fee.
A great many(not all) prescription medicines are subsidised,the price capped at $30 max.There is a safety net of $1500,after which the cost is reduced to $3.50 , which is what pensioners pay.
Ambulance services are private ,non profit, partly volunteer and unsubidised. A suburban service will cost about $600. Ambulance insurance is a flat $50 a year.
FUNDING; Medicare is funded partly by a 2.5% income tested tax levy. Low income earners pay nothing.
We have a private health insurance system,which the government encourages with a rebate of 30% of premiums. There are no cost penalties due to pre existing conditions,apart from a 2 year waiting period. BUT from this year,premiums will be based on age for NEW members.
I have private cover,which also includes some optical,some dental ,and some alternative treatments such as chiropractic. The cost to me is $120 a month. Cost to a family of two people and ANY NUMBER OF CHILDREN under 17years is simply double.
My opinion is that of course all emergency treatment should be free,but that non emergency treatment should attract SOME fee, even if only token. I think people tend to abuse free services.
ALL emergency treatment is free in public hospitals.There can be a wait of over 2 years for elective treatment.(for conditions not immediately life threatening)
All doctors are paid a set fee for all services,but may (and most do) charge above the set fee. Some doctors accept the government payment,(mine does) this is called "bulk billing".The patient pays nothing for a consult. Doctors operating on public patients are paid a set fee.
A great many(not all) prescription medicines are subsidised,the price capped at $30 max.There is a safety net of $1500,after which the cost is reduced to $3.50 , which is what pensioners pay.
Ambulance services are private ,non profit, partly volunteer and unsubidised. A suburban service will cost about $600. Ambulance insurance is a flat $50 a year.
FUNDING; Medicare is funded partly by a 2.5% income tested tax levy. Low income earners pay nothing.
We have a private health insurance system,which the government encourages with a rebate of 30% of premiums. There are no cost penalties due to pre existing conditions,apart from a 2 year waiting period. BUT from this year,premiums will be based on age for NEW members.
I have private cover,which also includes some optical,some dental ,and some alternative treatments such as chiropractic. The cost to me is $120 a month. Cost to a family of two people and ANY NUMBER OF CHILDREN under 17years is simply double.
My opinion is that of course all emergency treatment should be free,but that non emergency treatment should attract SOME fee, even if only token. I think people tend to abuse free services.
