Medicare Enrolment

[sam11480]

Hi All

A pretty basic question about medicare which I am sure has been answered on here before but I cannot seem to find any feeds.

When enrolling for Medicare as a permanent resident, do I just fill in the Medicare enrolment form and take it with a passport and proof of residency to a service centre?

Is there anything else I need to do? How long will it take before I can start using services such as doctors? I have two small children and so am a bit worried about accessing healthcare if we need it when we first arrive.

Please help many thanks,

Sam 

 

 

 

 

[ali]

We went within the first couple of days of arriving and had to go back as we weren't in the system (think they must be able to search).  We were on there a few days latter, so I would say you could go after a week to be safe.  You will be given a receipt when you register - that's your proof of medicare entitlement until your card arrives.  You have one card and all your family members are on it.

[sam11480]

That's great Ali thank you. 

Is it like the NHS in that all GP visits, hospital stays are covered by Medicare? Or are there any exclusions to this do you know?

Many thanks,

Sam 

 

[rammygirl]

If only it were that simple............

Doctors are paid a standard amount by Medicare for consultations.  All are private.  Some charge more than that rebate so you pay the difference, known as the gap.  Some doctors bulk bill, which means they do not charge extra and claim all from Medicare.

For hospital and other specialists it is similar you need to shop around and check as prices vary A LOT.  Most assume you have insurance, and even then there is often a gap to pay..............

For example I go to a doctor locally I like, he usually (bit not always) charges about $35 more than the rebate so that is what I pay.  If it is something simple I might just go to a bulk biller and pay nothing.  No loyalty here.

Never feel embarrassed to ask how much it will cost if it is not clear.  
 

Dentists are all private and few procedures are covered by Medicare 

I know of people who have had the same treatment. One without insurance had no gap, the other with insurance paid out around $1500.  Go figure.  The private patient was treated in a nicer hospital and about 6 weeks quicker (not critical)

We self insure......

Edited November 12, 2019 by rammygirl

[sammy11480]

14 hours ago, rammygirl said:

If only it were that simple............

Doctors are paid a standard amount by Medicare for consultations.  All are private.  Some charge more than that rebate so you pay the difference, known as the gap.  Some doctors bulk bill, which means they do not charge extra and claim all from Medicare.

For hospital and other specialists it is similar you need to shop around and check as prices vary A LOT.  Most assume you have insurance, and even then there is often a gap to pay..............

For example I go to a doctor locally I like, he usually (bit not always) charges about $35 more than the rebate so that is what I pay.  If it is something simple I might just go to a bulk biller and pay nothing.  No loyalty here.

Never feel embarrassed to ask how much it will cost if it is not clear.  
 

Dentists are all private and few procedures are covered by Medicare 

I know of people who have had the same treatment. One without insurance had no gap, the other with insurance paid out around $1500.  Go figure.  The private patient was treated in a nicer hospital and about 6 weeks quicker (not critical)

We self insure......

Thanks that's really helpful.

In terms of insurance then what do people generally take out? I just want to ensure that we won't be hit with any large fees should any of my children require a hospital visit. 

 

[calNgary]

23 hours ago, sammy11480 said:

Thanks that's really helpful.

In terms of insurance then what do people generally take out? I just want to ensure that we won't be hit with any large fees should any of my children require a hospital visit. 

 

If one of your children needs emergency treatment the A and E is free so don't worry about that. If your in QLD ambulances are free, but in some states you need to make sure you have ambulance cover or could be hit with a large bill.

 Cal x