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This article is from the soc.culture.australian FAQ, by Stephen Wales with numerous contributions by others.

8.7.1 Medicare

Medicare is a universal medical insurance scheme run by the Federal
Government covering all Australian citizens and permanent residents.
The Medicare scheme covers all Australian citizens and permanent
residents, and provides "basic" medical cover. This comprises:

- 85% of the "Schedule Fee" for services provided by GP's and medical
specialists.

- Treatment in a public hospital in a "public" standard ward.

Those who are eligible have a Medicare Card with a name and number on
it.

Foreign visitors are also covered if there is a reciprocal arrangement
between Australia and their country. This is most likely to exist
where the other country also has a public health system akin to
Medicare. For example, an agreement exists with the UK (which has the
National Health) but not the USA.

Overall, the level of care provided by Medicare is excellent.
Aboriginal health in rural areas is sometimes, however, quite
shocking. The Govt looks like it will finally do something about this
(Sen. Richardson, the Health Minister, is on a crusade, which was
surprising provoked by the new AMA head). [Scot]

 

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• prev: 8.6 Mabo
• Index
• next: 8.7.2 Medicare Levy

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