Medicare Safety Net is a scheme that provides financial assistance to Australian citizens and permanent residents who have high out-of-pocket medical expenses.
But is this scheme available to everyone and if not, who is eligible for the Medicare safety net? Are you included automatically or do you need to register?
You will find all the answers below.
What is Medicare Safety Net?
The Medicare Safety Net is a scheme introduced to help Australians with the high costs of out-of-pocket medical expenses. The scheme provides reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses once an individual has reached the Medicare safety net threshold.
Who is Eligible for the Medicare Safety Net?
To be eligible for the Medicare Safety Net, you must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident. You will also need a current Medicare card.
If you are not sure if you are eligible, you can check with your local Medicare office.
What is the Medicare Safety Net Threshold?
The Medicare safety net threshold is the amount of money that an individual or family spends on out-of-pocket medical expenses in a calendar year.
Once this threshold has been reached, the individual or family is eligible for a rebate from Medicare.
Medicare Safety Net Threshold for 2022
- Original Medicare Safety Net (OMSN): Intended for everyone in Medicare and your gap amount of the calendar year counts towards the threshold. You’ll get 100% of the scheduled fee for out of hospital services.
Amount $495.60
- Extended Medicare Safety Net (EMSN) – General: For everyone in Medicare and your out-of-pocket amount for the calendar year is what counts toward the threshold. You’ll get 80% of out-of-pocket costs or the EMSN benefit caps for out-of-hospital services.
Amount $2249.80
- Extended Medicare Safety Net (EMSN) – Concessional and Family Tax Benefit Part A: It’s for concession cardholders and families eligible for Family Tax Benefit Part A. Your out-of-pocket amount counts towards the threshold and you’ll get 80% of out-of-pocket costs or the EMSN benefit caps for out-of-hospital services.
Amount $717.90
How to Register for Medicare Safety Net?
Medicare maintains records on your claims throughout the year. You don’t have to register for the Safety Net if you’re single and participate in the Medicare system. If you meet or exceed the threshold for higher benefits, they will be applied automatically.
Couples and families must register for the Medicare Safety Net program. It means your medical expenses are combined to faster reach the needed level for more extensive benefits. You can register as a family if you’re married or a couple (with or without dependent children), or a single person with dependent kids.
Did you know that Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holders can travel outside Australia for 19 weeks before their card for discounts on certain Medicare services is cancelled?
How do I Check my Medicare Safety Net?
You may check your limit amount at any moment by logging into your Medicare online account or using the Express Plus Medicare mobile app. It’s also known as the Medicare program.
It’s critical to notify anybody who may be in your Medicare Safety Net family if there are any changes.
You may be interested: 19 Health Insurance Statistics and Facts in Australia [2022]
Bottom Line
Medical expenses can quickly add up. Luckily, the Medicare Safety Net can cover some of the costs of hospital services.
If you meet the threshold and have a Medicare card, chances are you qualify for the scheme. However, to be certain, you can check who is eligible for the Medicare Safety Net by going to Centrelink’s official site or contacting the service directly.
