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Table 1 Federal health care policy changes (cut points)

From: Development of a health care policy characterisation model based on use of private health insurance

Federal Health Policy "Cut Points"

Cut Point

Commencement (and duration) of initiative*

Description of Initiative

1

Sept 1981 (- Jan 1984)

Abolition of free public hospital care

2

Feb 1984 (- Oct 1986)

Medicare introduced (Universal bulk billing and free public hospital care restored)

  

Out of hospital rebate set at 85% of scheduled fee

  

Maximum rebate set at $10

  

Levy set at 1%

3

Nov 1986 (- June 1993)

Medicare levy increased to 1.25%

  

Out of hospital rebate @ 85%/$20

  

GAP set at $150/annum

  

In hospital rebate set at 75% with no maximum

  

Private hospital insurance to cover remaining 25%

4

1993 (- 1995)

Medicare Levy increased to 1.4%

5

1995 (- 1997)

Medicare Levy increased to 1.5%

  

0.2% Surcharge introduced to pay for a guns "buy back" following Port Arthur massacre

6

1997 (-1999)

Private Health Insurance Incentive Scheme: Surcharge of 1% introduced for high income household without PHI.

  

GAP cover policies allowed (No GAP and known GAP)

  

Simplified billing (use of billing agents)

7

Jan 1999 (- June 2000)

Uncapped 30% PHI† rebate for hospital and ancillary benefits with no means test

8

July 2000 (- Present)

Lifetime Health Cover: Differential premiums allowed based on age at initial premium.

  

Informed Consent: Patients provided with quotes on costs prior to procedure commencement

  1. * Financial year unless otherwise indicated
  2. † Private Health Insurance