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 |