Medicare - Safety net

[lavenderpegasus]

Hey guys I was just reading up on the medicare safety net and not everyone is automatically on the safety net, you have to register!


I rang this morning to just make sure and I wasn't registered, so just give medicare a call to make sure.

[BigGeorge]

Do you mean for prescription drugs? If so, each family will only reach the safety net if they get over 52 scripts filled per calendar year... So it's worth it if you're on a lot of meds.

[kiah]

do u hav to re-register each yr...we were on it last yr?

[~rambox~]

Yep I am registered :thumbsup:

[shorty_851]

I dont understand what the safety net is all about

Coudl someone please explain

[kiah]

once u hav spent a certain amount on medical stuff for the year....we u reach the limit medicare starts refunding like 80% or something of your medical bills...good if u are preggers...

[shorty_851]

My god im prolly going to sound really dumb here but should i register becasue i will have to go to the doctors so much and scans and everything or just not worry and claim it anyway like normal

[Foxy]

You can also register online.

http://www.medicareaustralia.gov.au/yourhealth/our_services/CoinHomepagePRD.htm

[Foxy]

My god im prolly going to sound really dumb here but should i register becasue i will have to go to the doctors so much and scans and everything or just not worry and claim it anyway like normal

Hi Mandi, you and your partner should be able to register as a family which will allow you to reach your limit faster.

The usual limit is $1,000, so once you have reached this with your out-of-pocket expenses, Medicare will then refund 80% of the balance after the normal rebate has been paid on a bill. Sorry, I know it sounds a bit confusing.

For example:

OB Bill is $100
Medicare rebates $20 back to you
If you have reached your threashold you will also get 80% of the balance back, so 80% of $80.

Hope this makes sense!