The Extended Medicare Safety Net supports individuals and families with-out-of- pocket health costs.

Once you reached the threshold each calendar year, Medicare will pay 100% of the schedule fee PLUS 80% of the gap for Medicare rebatable items. For example, If you are usually charged $98 for a level B consultation, your gap is $56.80. Once you hit the Safety Net, your gap will be reduced to $11.35.

What is the threshold?

This depends on your financial situation. If you have a concession card or if you receive Family Tax Benefit Part A your extended Medicare Safety Net will be activated once you and your family have spent $697.00 in out-of-pocket expenses in a calendar year. For all other people/families the Medicare safety Net is activated once they have spent $2184.30 in out-of-pocket  expenses in a calendar year.

What expenses applied?

All out of hospital expenses where a Medicare number is used, which includes out of pocket costs for GP consultation, non-GP specialists, psychology with a Mental Health care Plan, radiology, and pathology.

What do I have to do?

If you are an individual, you do not need to do anything. You will be notified automatically once you reach the threshold. As a family you need to register. Register your family, learn how to check your balance or learn more:

https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/services/medicare/medicare-safety-nets

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