Medi-Nav Orientation Resource v6, 2024

Local government is primarily responsible for making decisions on local, town or city matters which may include participation in health-related issues (for example, public health surveillance and action, local health promotion initiatives, water fluoridation, etc.). For further information about Australia’s healthcare system refer to: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/australias-health/australias-health-2022-data-insights/summary 1.1 Australia’s public health system 1.1.1 Health system funding Medicare is a program which offers all Australian citizens and eligible residents free or subsidised access to healthcare services. Medicare is Australia’s universal health insurance scheme as it aims to allow Australians access to healthcare when they need it at minimal or no cost. Under the Health Insurance Act 1973 , a patient is eligible for Medicare benefits if they: + are an Australian on New Zealand citizen + are an Australian permanent resident + have applied for permanent residency (conditions apply) + are a temporary resident covered by a ministerial order + are a citizen or permanent resident of Norfolk Island, Cocos Islands, Christmas Island or Lord Howe Island + are visiting from a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement country. Medicare provides access to a range of medical services for either no cost or at a subsidised rate, including: + general practitioner (GP) or specialist appointments + allied health appointments + screening, tests and scans + treatments + medications + surgeries and procedures + hospital inpatient admissions. Medicare benefits are paid by Services Australia in accordance with the legislation governing Medicare and is not able to pay benefits outside of the legislation. Information about Medicare is available at: Medicare - Services Australia Further information about Reciprocal Health Care Agreements can be accessed at https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/services/medicare/reciprocal-health-care-agreements/ when-you-visit-australia