How can the Medicare Safety Net initiative help me?
If you regularly undergo medical tests, it is important that you ensure that you and your family members are registered with Medicare. By registering you will be protected by the government’s ‘Safety Net’ initiative. This ensures that once you and your family reach a certain threshold for gap payments (this is the difference between the Schedule Fee and Medicare Rebate), that pathology tests or visits to your doctor attract a higher rebate. As of January 2009, the ‘Safety Net’ scheme dictates that families who reach a $383.90 gap payment in any one calendar year are eligible to receive the full Schedule Fee Rebate for all further testing. This will substantially reduce gap payments; however, it is important to note that this does not apply to any testing performed while you are admitted to hospital. There are also different thresholds for concession cardholders. For further information or to register your family please visit the Medicare Australia website.
