Unit 3 Health and Human Development Australia’s health care system

Responsibilities within the Australian healthcare system Commonwealth/federal government manages Medicare, national health programs, policies, legislation financially supports government/non-government organisations regulates private health insurance, quarantine, food standards international responsibilities (e.g. AusAID)

State and territory governments manages public hospital system, health services (e.g. dental, ambulance, mental health), health promotion & prevention Local government organises public health programs (immunisation, community services) maintains healthy environment

Funding healthcare

Funding Questions Which two areas of healthcare does: 1.State/territory or local government spend most? 2.Australian federal government spend most? 3.State/territory or local government spend least? 4.Australian federal government spend least? Does the Australian federal, state or local government spend most on biomedical or preventative healthcare?

Values that underpin the Australian health care system C.A.R.E Continuous Accessible Responsive Efficient C.A.S.E.S Capable Appropriate Safe Effective Sustainable

Medicare is a universal healthcare system that provides medical care to patients via their GP or hospital for little or no cost. It was established to provide access and improve healthcare for all Australians in need of treatment, regardless of age or income It is funded by the Commonwealth Government, partly through the 1.5% Medicare levy paid by most taxpayers.

Medicare Question If a doctor charges $45 for a consultation and the Medicare schedule fee is $38.60 and the Medicare benefit is $32.80: Identify what the out-of-pocket amount is. The out of pocket amount would be $12.20 ($45 - $32.80). Identify what the gap amount is. The gap amount is $5.80 ($38.60 – $32.80) If the doctor decided to bulk-bill, how much would they get for the service? The doctor would receive the rebate amount, $32.80

How much would a patient pay if they had met the gap threshold? If they had met the gap threshold the patient would pay $6.40 ($45 – $38.60) as they would receive 100% of the schedule fee and would only have to pay the difference between the schedule fee and the doctor’s actual fee. How much would a patient pay if they had met the extended safety net? If a patient has met the extended safety net they would pay $1.28, because reaching the gap threshold would mean they would receive 100% of the schedule fee, then the extended safety net means Medicare will also cover 80% of out of pocket expenses, which are $6.40. Therefore the balance would be 20% of $6.40, which is $1.28.

Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme It subsidises the cost of a wide range of prescription medications, providing Australians with vital medications at affordable prices

Private Health Insurance A patient pays for private health insurance which enables access to both public and private hospitals with the choice of their own doctor or specialist They also have a choice of timing of treatment and decreased waiting times Depending on the level of cover, some specific services may also be covered to a limited extent

Discussion Questions i.What are the advantages and disadvantages of Medicare? ii.What services are covered by Medicare? iii.What are the advantages and disadvantages of private health insurance? iv.What is the PBS?

Debate Topics Choose one of the following to work on in a group of 3 – There should be incentives for people to take out Private Health Insurance – All pharmaceuticals should be on the pharmaceutical benefits scheme list – More money can buy you a better quality of health