Area of Study 2

• Medicare

  Australian governments universal health care system
• Medicare goals

  affordable

  accessible

  high quality care
• medicare purpose 


  provides free or subsidised treatment from healthcare services.
• medicare advantages

  removes cost as an obstacle

  little to no cost of healthcare services

  range of diagnostic tests at a subsidised cost
• medicare disadvantages

  significant financial burden on the government

  long waiting times for services

  does not cover the cost of allied health services
• covered by medicare

  essential or necessary services provided by doctors and hospitals at a free or subsided cost

  diagnostic tests and examinations

  treatment and accommodation in a public hospital
• not covered by medicare

  most dental services

  ambulance services

  medical services not deemed as medically necessary
• The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme

  An Australian government scheme to subsidise the cost of a wide range of prescription medication
• PBS Aim

  To subsidise the cost of prescription medications, providing Australians with vital medications at affordable prices to ensure optimal healthcare outcomes
• PBS advantages 


  access to essential medications as a result of subsidised cost

  enables access to medications from local pharmacies rather than a specialist

  Includes the PBS safety net to further protect people from high cost of medications
• PBS disadvantages 


  Significant financial burden on the Australian government

  Failure to cover all medications

  Co-Payment still needs to be paid by most Australians
• Private Health Insurance 


  A subscription or policy that provides individuals with different levels of cover for a fee.
• covered under PHI


  accommodation in private hospitals

  theatre fees

  ancillary health services (physio and dental)
• not covered under PHI


  depending on policy there are many exclusions and restrictions

  cosmetic surgeries
• PHI advantages 


  enabling access to private hospitals by reducing the cost

  helping the financial burden of medicare

  choice of doctor
• PHI disadvantages


  high-cost

  many out-of- pocket services depending on policy

  feeling of not using services to get moneys worth
• Private Health Insurance Rebate


  Australians with PHI can claim money from the government to help cover the cost of premiums
• Medicare Levy Surcharge


  There is an additional 1-1.5 per cent surcharge to high income earners without private health insurance
• Lifetime Health Cover


  If not covered after 1st July following the 31st birthday, individuals are charged an 2% loading on their cover per year if they decide to take it out later (up to 70%)
• Age-based discount 


  People aged 18-29 can receive 10% off their premiums. applies until 41 before reducing by 2% each year until 0
• Community health service


  Black Dog Institute: dedicated to understandiung, preventing and treating mental illness through research, services and public education.
• Black Dog Institute's Impact on Health and Wellbeing

  • Physical Health: Promotes exercise, balanced diets and sleep, recognizing the link between physical and mental wellbeing.
  • Social Health: Provides community programs and support groups that foster connection and reduce isolation. (support groups)
  • Emotional Health: Offering tools such as apps and online programs for emotional regulation, resilience, and stress management.
• Factors affecting access to health services and information

  • knowledge
  • geographical location
  • cost
  • language barrier
  • culture/religion
• medical technology 


  Diagnostic tools and equipment

  Pharmaceuticals

  Medical Proceedures
• Issues with medical technology

  Ethics

  Equity of Access

  Privacy

  Invasiveness

  Freedom of choice
• Digital Media Challenges


  Misinterpretation

  Reliability

  Misdiagnosis
• Digital Media Opportunities


  Free from Websites and Apps

  Anonymous access

  Available 24/7

  Range of Languages
• Consumer Rights

  Safe and high quality healthcare

  Shown respect

  Communication about services, treatment, options and costs

  Inclusion in discussions regarding decisions

  Confidentiality of their health information
• Consumer Responsibilities 


  Attends scheduled appointments and reschedules/cancels if unable to make it

  Provides accurate information to providers

  Asks questions or concerns

  Respectful towards healthcare staff and other people at service
• Complaints: Who


  Anyone and family and friends on behalf of an individual with their permission
• Complaints: What

  Any healthcare provider

  Anyone who handles health-related information

  Health-service organisers

  Individual health practitioners
• Complaints: Outcomes


  Explanation

  Apology

  Access to treatment

  Access or fix to health records

  Refund or compensation

  Formal investigation
• Complaints: Tips


  Take issue directly to provider

  Put issue into writing

  Clear about information and soultion
• Complaints: Who to

  Health provider directly

  Health company

  Health complaints commissioner

  Victorian Ombudsman

  Regulatory bodies (... board of Australia)