Describe the key features of Medicare that provide accessible healthcare for Australians. (3 marks)
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- Medicare is Australia’s universal healthcare system providing free treatment as a public patient in public hospitals.
- The system offers subsidised treatment by GPs and specialists, funded through income taxes and the Medicare levy.
- Bulk billing allows doctors to accept Medicare payment as full payment, meaning patients pay nothing out of pocket.
- Medicare covers optometrist services and oral surgery but excludes private dentistry, physiotherapy and chiropractic treatment.
- The schedule fee system sets standard government fees, though some doctors may charge above this amount.
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- Medicare is Australia’s universal healthcare system providing free treatment as a public patient in public hospitals.
- The system offers subsidised treatment by GPs and specialists, funded through income taxes and the Medicare levy.
- Bulk billing allows doctors to accept Medicare payment as full payment, meaning patients pay nothing out of pocket.
- Medicare covers optometrist services and oral surgery but excludes private dentistry, physiotherapy and chiropractic treatment.
- The schedule fee system sets standard government fees, though some doctors may charge above this amount.