*nods* That's how it works in Australia. almost everyone pays an annual levy (about $300), but there are a couple of ways that people will qualify as exemptions to this. (if you are under 16, for example, but there are more.) If you earn less that $70k a year, then that's all you pay. If you earn more, then every dollar over the threshold is taxed at the surcharge rate. If you want to opt out of the tax, then you can get private health insurance to cover the costs of your treatment and you put down those details. And you don't have to pay, if you are not eligible to Medicare benefits! http://www.ato.gov.au/content/00250854.htm The only reason I get healthcare here under the NI is because I still pay my Medicare back home. And our governments have a reciprocal agreement. It's supposed to be comparable cover, but I have to pay full price for my medication here, whereas I get it at a subsidised rate back home, because I am considered to be someone with a complex chronic health condition.
And just to clarify, in case anyone misunderstands... I am not looking for a free hand-out. I am not complaining that I don't get a free hand-out - I just want to be treated the same as everyone else.
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philmophlegm) wrote2012-11-27 02:59 pm
no subject
That's how it works in Australia.
almost everyone pays an annual levy (about $300), but there are a couple of ways that people will qualify as exemptions to this. (if you are under 16, for example, but there are more.)
If you earn less that $70k a year, then that's all you pay.
If you earn more, then every dollar over the threshold is taxed at the surcharge rate.
If you want to opt out of the tax, then you can get private health insurance to cover the costs of your treatment and you put down those details.
And you don't have to pay, if you are not eligible to Medicare benefits!
http://www.ato.gov.au/content/00250854.htm
The only reason I get healthcare here under the NI is because I still pay my Medicare back home. And our governments have a reciprocal agreement.
It's supposed to be comparable cover, but I have to pay full price for my medication here, whereas I get it at a subsidised rate back home, because I am considered to be someone with a complex chronic health condition.
And just to clarify, in case anyone misunderstands... I am not looking for a free hand-out. I am not complaining that I don't get a free hand-out - I just want to be treated the same as everyone else.
no subject