Most Australians Belong To National Health Scheme

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30534, 1 September 1964, Page 8

Most Australians Belong To National Health Scheme

CANBERRA. Australia’s national health scheme, membership of which is voluntary, has. attracted about three-quarters of the country’s 11,000,000 population during the 11 years of its existence. Apart from special benefits for the aged, and other pensioners, it gives three main classes of help—hospitalisation, medical care, and provision at minimal cost of drugs and medicines. Contributors may select their own medical practitioners.

The basis of the hospital and medical schemes is voluntary self-help and insurance through non-profit-making organisations, while the pharmaceutical benefits are available to all. Different rates of insurance entitle the contributor to differing rates of benefit. Generally, the weekly cost for hospital benefits ranges from 9d to 4s for a single person, and double these figures for- a family group. The benefits paid by the insuring organisation are augmented by the Federal Government. This system brings the total weekly benefits available to an insured hospital patient up to £A4O 12s. Typical weekly hospital accommodation costs are £A2I in a public ward, £A3I 17s for intermediate accommodation, and £A4I 6s for a private room.

The medical benefits scheme operates in. a similar fashion, with varying weekly contributions for varying benefits from the insuring organisation, as well as an additional benefit from the Federal Government. Combined benefits for a consultation otherwise costing the patient probably £AI ss, would range from 14s to 18s, depending on the weekly contribution, which ranges from 2s 6d to 4s for family groups, and half those rates for single persons.

In the year 1962-63, contributors to the medical benefits scheme paid a total of about £Al6m, receiving a roughly similar amount in insurance benefits, and a further £Al2m in benefits from the Government.

Special benefits for aged and other pensioners include free medicines and drugs, free medical services, and free public ward accommodation in hospital.—Australian News and Information Bureau.