rtritudr Posted October 28, 2020 Share Posted October 28, 2020 6 minutes ago, Marisawright said: Not true. Even for citizens, the cover is far from 100%, and for recent arrivals with no work record, you have to pay. https://www.medicareresources.org/faqs/can-recent-immigrants-to-the-united-states-get-health-coverage-if-theyre-over-65/#:~:text=If you're a U.S.,a premium for Part A. For a new arrival you have to buy health insurance, but only for a maximum of five years. After that you can enrol in Medicare. You're quite right that there is a premium for those who haven't worked long enough in the US, but it's only 400 dollars a month, which is a bargain if you've ever purchased your own health insurance in the US. In fact, for that amount the coverage is vastly superior to comparable private health plans in Australia. There are copays, deductibles, etc., but that's no different to Australia if you use the private system (which you have to for many outpatient services, e.g., seeing a specialist). For those with little or no income, you'll get even more subsidy from the Medicaid program. The US health insurance system is only bad for those who are younger than 65, and employed in a low paying job (but not low enough to qualify for Medicaid). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marisawright Posted October 28, 2020 Share Posted October 28, 2020 4 minutes ago, rtritudr said: For a new arrival you have to buy health insurance, but only for a maximum of five years. There are copays, deductibles, etc., but that's no different to Australia if you use the private system (which you have to for many outpatient services, e.g., seeing a specialist). You don't need to pay to see a specialist in Australia. It's a misconception, because GP's still assume everyone has private health insurance and automatically refer you to a specialist in the private system. There are specialists in the public system in Australia just like the NHS. Just like the NHS, there are long waiting lists to see them, but those waiting lists are no worse than the NHS. To give you an example, I had a double spinal fusion, privately, which cost about $35,000 all up (I was out of pocket around $10,000). My friend's father had it all done on Medicare. He waited longer than I did, but it didn't cost him a cent. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rtritudr Posted October 28, 2020 Share Posted October 28, 2020 1 minute ago, Marisawright said: You don't need to pay to see a specialist in Australia. It's a misconception, because GP's still assume everyone has private health insurance and automatically refer you to a specialist in the private system. There are specialists in the public system in Australia just like the NHS. Just like the NHS, there are long waiting lists to see them, but those waiting lists are no worse than the NHS. To give you an example, I had a double spinal fusion, privately, which cost about $35,000 all up (I was out of pocket around $10,000). My friend's father had it all done on Medicare. He waited longer than I did, but it didn't cost him a cent. That's the theory. In practice, unless you're willing to wait for months at a time to see the specialist in the public system, you just have to cough up the cash. Of course the time to wait is highly dependent on where you live and what discipline the specialist practises. The urgency of an illness from the perspective of the Medicare system does not always align with the effect on your quality of life. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ramot Posted October 28, 2020 Share Posted October 28, 2020 (edited) 21 minutes ago, Marisawright said: You don't need to pay to see a specialist in Australia. It's a misconception, because GP's still assume everyone has private health insurance and automatically refer you to a specialist in the private system. I don’t get anything back from my health insurance when I see a specialist, just get an amount refunded from Medicare, and pay the gap? When we were temporary here, without Medicare, we were refunded from our private health cover, so as I am new to the system, are you only referred to a private specialist if you have health cover, even though you can’t claim from it, or not allowed to go private without health cover. I’m confused. I do realise that there is no cost in the public system, but can’t you just pay the gap if you go private if you don’t have health insurance? Edited October 28, 2020 by ramot Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AliQ Posted October 28, 2020 Share Posted October 28, 2020 17 minutes ago, ramot said: I don’t get anything back from my health insurance when I see a specialist, just get an amount refunded from Medicare, and pay the gap? When we were temporary here, without Medicare, we were refunded from our private health cover, so as I am new to the system, are you only referred to a private specialist if you have health cover, even though you can’t claim from it, or not allowed to go private without health cover. I’m confused. I do realise that there is no cost in the public system, but can’t you just pay the gap if you go private if you don’t have health insurance? Private Health Cover covers hospital stays and hospital procedures, and some day care treatments such as chemotherapy. It not does NOT cover costs involved seeing Specialists privately, as you say, Medicare pays some of the cost, the rest you have to pay yourself. If that private specialist orders an XR , scan or tests of any sort, then Medicare covers some of that cost, the rest you pay yourself, if you go private for that as well. In a nut shell, Private Health Cover is for going into hospital for an operation or procedure only. Having said that, there are always some anomalies. And yes, anyone can pay to see a private Specialist if they wish to. Now Private Health Cover EXTRAS, is for dentists, eyes, prosthetics etc , it pays to do lots of homework on this one, cover varies greatly from fund to fund and covers a huge variety of "extras". 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marisawright Posted October 28, 2020 Share Posted October 28, 2020 34 minutes ago, rtritudr said: That's the theory. In practice, unless you're willing to wait for months at a time to see the specialist in the public system, you just have to cough up the cash. Of course the time to wait is highly dependent on where you live and what discipline the specialist practises. The urgency of an illness from the perspective of the Medicare system does not always align with the effect on your quality of life. But this is also true of the NHS system, isn't it? And yet very few Brits take private health insurance or see private specialists. They just put up with it, because that's the culture in the UK. Whereas in Australia, we are used to the concept of paying to avoid the queue - so much so, most GP's just assume that's what you want. One example - I lost my voice and was referred to a throat specialist. After I'd been examined, the specialist told me I probably had throat cancer and he needed to book me in for an op. When I said I didn't have health insurance, he slapped his appointment book closed and said, "In that case, I'll have to refer you to a public specialist" and scribbled a note for me. I was about to say "how dare you assume I can't afford it", but I didn't like his manner, so I accepted the referral. Eight weeks later I saw the public specialist (at no cost) who diagnosed me with a fungal infection of the larynx. At that time, I had no idea public specialists existed. Since then I've also seen an asthma specialist at no cost - the public asthma clinic is one of the most respected in the world. Granted, I had to wait several months for an appointment, but that would have been exactly the same in the UK. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toots Posted October 28, 2020 Share Posted October 28, 2020 6 minutes ago, Marisawright said: But this is also true of the NHS system, isn't it? And yet very few Brits take private health insurance or see private specialists. They just put up with it, because that's the culture in the UK. Whereas in Australia, we are used to the concept of paying to avoid the queue - so much so, most GP's just assume that's what you want. One example - I lost my voice and was referred to a throat specialist. After I'd been examined, the specialist told me I probably had throat cancer and he needed to book me in for an op. When I said I didn't have health insurance, he slapped his appointment book closed and said, "In that case, I'll have to refer you to a public specialist" and scribbled a note for me. I was about to say "how dare you assume I can't afford it", but I didn't like his manner, so I accepted the referral. Eight weeks later I saw the public specialist (at no cost) who diagnosed me with a fungal infection of the larynx. At that time, I had no idea public specialists existed. Since then I've also seen an asthma specialist at no cost - the public asthma clinic is one of the most respected in the world. Granted, I had to wait several months for an appointment, but that would have been exactly the same in the UK. The cardiologist I see twice a year doesn't cost me a cent. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ramot Posted October 28, 2020 Share Posted October 28, 2020 (edited) 30 minutes ago, AliQ said: Private Health Cover covers hospital stays and hospital procedures, and some day care treatments such as chemotherapy. It not does NOT cover costs involved seeing Specialists privately, as you say, Medicare pays some of the cost, the rest you have to pay yourself. If that private specialist orders an XR , scan or tests of any sort, then Medicare covers some of that cost, the rest you pay yourself, if you go private for that as well. In a nut shell, Private Health Cover is for going into hospital for an operation or procedure only. Having said that, there are always some anomalies. And yes, anyone can pay to see a private Specialist if they wish to. Now Private Health Cover EXTRAS, is for dentists, eyes, prosthetics etc , it pays to do lots of homework on this one, cover varies greatly from fund to fund and covers a huge variety of "extras". Thanks. We did check when we got PR and stayed with Medibank. I was really picking up on Marisa’s point about Drs assuming you had insurance and referring you to a private specialist, as it implied you could only see one if you had private health. I genuinely think if you can afford to pay the gap, you should leave the public system clearer for those that can’t, but that’s only my opinion. I probably end up paying about $60? to see a specialist, think it would cost far more in UK to see one? We only had private health in UK when work paid for it. Edited October 28, 2020 by ramot Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marisawright Posted October 28, 2020 Share Posted October 28, 2020 11 minutes ago, ramot said: I was really picking up on Marisa’s point about Drs assuming you had insurance and referring you to a private specialist, as it implied you could only see one if you had private health. No, I didn't mean that at all. But I've met pensioners who are worried sick about the cost of their specialist treatment, and their GP has never told them they could be seen in the public system. If you don't want to pay for a private specialist, you have to let your doctor know. Even when I didn't have private health insurance, I would usually pay for a private specialist. In the case of the asthma clinic, I chose to go there because a nurse (who worked in that hospital) told me it had the best specialists. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KittyMB Posted October 28, 2020 Share Posted October 28, 2020 Hi All, Can I just post a very friendly reminder that this is a "Parent visa application timelines (143 & 173)" chat? It helps all of us waiting on progress and newbies looking for info when we keep the thread related to the topic. Cheers and I hope you continue to have an amazing life! 2 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sadge Posted October 28, 2020 Share Posted October 28, 2020 2 minutes ago, KittyMB said: Hi All, Can I just post a very friendly reminder that this is a "Parent visa application timelines (143 & 173)" chat? It helps all of us waiting on progress and newbies looking for info when we keep the thread related to the topic. Cheers and I hope you continue to have an amazing life! Even though not strictly related and going a bit off topic, it's very useful information, and if such had been posted before I arrived here would have made my life much simpler. I'll add - don't forget Ambulance Cover insurance - in most states use of an ambulance can attract a big bill. 4 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
casuarina Posted October 29, 2020 Share Posted October 29, 2020 21 hours ago, KittyMB said: Hi All, Can I just post a very friendly reminder that this is a "Parent visa application timelines (143 & 173)" chat? It helps all of us waiting on progress and newbies looking for info when we keep the thread related to the topic. Cheers and I hope you continue to have an amazing life! Hey mate, I highly agree with you. If anyone wants to discuss insurance, ambulance, medicare, they should create a new thread. The main focus of this thread is to help others to track the timeline 3 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patience Posted October 29, 2020 Share Posted October 29, 2020 1 hour ago, casuarina said: Hey mate, I highly agree with you. If anyone wants to discuss insurance, ambulance, medicare, they should create a new thread. The main focus of this thread is to help others to track the timeline Did you get 2nd Vac request? Seen couple of early March get 2nd vac request. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sadge Posted October 29, 2020 Share Posted October 29, 2020 37 minutes ago, patience said: Did you get 2nd Vac request? Seen couple of early March get 2nd vac request. There you go, back on track, and no damage done. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ramot Posted October 29, 2020 Share Posted October 29, 2020 On 28/10/2020 at 12:21, KittyMB said: Hi All, Can I just post a very friendly reminder that this is a "Parent visa application timelines (143 & 173)" chat? It helps all of us waiting on progress and newbies looking for info when we keep the thread related to the topic. Cheers and I hope you continue to have an amazing life! Fair point, but there was some useful information there, which I didn’t really know a year + after getting PR,. The only place to post would be in the health thread and I wonder how many prospective parent visa applicants would see it. I won’t post again as I have PR, good luck to everyone still in the queue. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest The Pom Queen Posted October 29, 2020 Share Posted October 29, 2020 14 minutes ago, ramot said: Fair point, but there was some useful information there, which I didn’t really know a year + after getting PR,. The only place to post would be in the health thread and I wonder how many prospective parent visa applicants would see it. I won’t post again as I have PR, good luck to everyone still in the queue. Please continue to post @ramot you have helped so many people over the years with your helpful advise. Admin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arashtinbenmik Posted October 29, 2020 Share Posted October 29, 2020 Who is guru in ? https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1qdUJtvi43-4Ma76iDQWtT3Dv2KK4HxA1lvQzeAB2MOE/htmlview# 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kathss56 Posted October 30, 2020 Share Posted October 30, 2020 (edited) 22 hours ago, ramot said: Fair point, but there was some useful information there, which I didn’t really know a year + after getting PR,. The only place to post would be in the health thread and I wonder how many prospective parent visa applicants would see it. I won’t post again as I have PR, good luck to everyone still in the queue. Yes you must continue.please.. In the 4+ years I have been on here, It ALWAYS veers off topic every so often. When it does the topic is always aimed at us parents, who often know the answer and are a captive audience on this thread only! No harm done in my mind. I have been grateful for ALL the info! , @ramot we need people like you! Edited October 30, 2020 by Kathss56 6 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kathss56 Posted October 30, 2020 Share Posted October 30, 2020 23 hours ago, Sadge said: There you go, back on track, and no damage done. Exactly! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SusieRoo Posted October 30, 2020 Share Posted October 30, 2020 On 29/10/2020 at 03:30, ramot said: Fair point, but there was some useful information there, which I didn’t really know a year + after getting PR,. The only place to post would be in the health thread and I wonder how many prospective parent visa applicants would see it. I won’t post again as I have PR, good luck to everyone still in the queue. I think I’m going to stop posting on this thread also. I liked it best when all the parent visa info was all on the main parent visa thread, all in one place. A great mix of topics and a wealth of shared information for parents making the move to Australia. Posters like @ramot have always been generous with their helpful information and even a voice of reason when needed. I do not want to see this this resource diminished. It’s difficult to know how I would have come this far without our little online community. It’s time to abandon this place and return to our home back at the original thread. This new sub-thread is best left for ppl posting pointless questions like, Have you got any news? No. Have you got any news? No. Anything yet? No. What about you? No. Are we nearly there yet? 6 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patience Posted October 30, 2020 Share Posted October 30, 2020 People who got their visa, forgot about their waiting time and have newly found sarcasm. 3 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MajHam Posted October 30, 2020 Share Posted October 30, 2020 2 hours ago, SusieRoo said: I think I’m going to stop posting on this thread also. I liked it best when all the parent visa info was all on the main parent visa thread, all in one place. A great mix of topics and a wealth of shared information for parents making the move to Australia. Posters like @ramot have always been generous with their helpful information and even a voice of reason when needed. I do not want to see this this resource diminished. It’s difficult to know how I would have come this far without our little online community. It’s time to abandon this place and return to our home back at the original thread. This new sub-thread is best left for ppl posting pointless questions like, Have you got any news? No. Have you got any news? No. Anything yet? No. What about you? No. Are we nearly there yet? I think that’s harsh. This thread was set up after there were complaints about ppl asking how the queue was going on the main, and very informative parent visa thread. I’m personally not bothered if other things are discussed but I’m not going to complain about people like myself desperately looking for some light at the end of the tunnel and asking if there has been any progress. I think both threads have a useful function depending on your current visa position. Just saying! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SilMurtagh Posted October 30, 2020 Share Posted October 30, 2020 On 29/10/2020 at 16:26, Arashtinbenmik said: Who is guru in ? https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1qdUJtvi43-4Ma76iDQWtT3Dv2KK4HxA1lvQzeAB2MOE/htmlview# Is anyone maintaining this Google sheet with current info on timelines? I've just added our dates in there. Lodged 143 on 20 Apr 2016 and waiting on 2nd VAC. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MajHam Posted October 30, 2020 Share Posted October 30, 2020 I just noticed that someone on the tracker with application date 2/3/16 got there visa granted today. Absolutely thrilled for them! Hopefully a positive sign of things moving forward a bit. 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
casuarina Posted October 31, 2020 Share Posted October 31, 2020 On 29/10/2020 at 12:51, patience said: Did you get 2nd Vac request? Seen couple of early March get 2nd vac request. not yet. still waiting Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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