From 4 November 2022 the income thresholds for the Commonwealth Seniors Health Care Card (CSHC) have been increased, allowing more Australians access to medical and pharmaceutical discounts and concessions.
These changes will greatly benefit self-funded retirees who were previously unable to access the benefits of the CSHC.
Current CSHC holders will not be affected by these changes.
| Income limit 20/09/22 – 3/11/2022 |
Income limit 4/11/22 – 19/09/2023 |
|
| Singles | $61,284 | $90,000 |
| Couples (combined) | $98,054 | $144,000 |
| Illness separated couples (combined) | $122,568 | $180,000 |
| For each additional child | $639.60 | $639.60 |
Benefits of the Commonwealth Seniors Health Care Card
Benefits of the CSHC are different in each state. For Victorians, the benefits are:
Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme
Eligible concession cardholders are entitled to a discount on most prescription medicines, bringing them to $6.80. Once you and your family reach the safety net threshold for the year (conditions apply), most medicines are free.
Extended Medicare safety net (EMSN)
The EMSN provides an increased rebate for Australian families and singles who incur out-of-pocket costs for Medicare eligible out-of-hospital services. Once the relevant annual threshold of out-of-pocket costs has been met, Medicare will pay up to 80 per cent of any future out-of-pocket costs for out-of-hospital Medicare services for the remainder of the calendar year. Concession cardholders are entitled to a lower EMSN threshold.
Bulk-billed doctor visits
Doctors can receive higher payments from Medicare if they treat a concession cardholder, therefore some practices which do not bulk bill for a general patient may bulk bill for a concession cardholder (but are not required to).
Stamp duty concession
This concession provides an exemption or partial exemption from stamp duty for cardholders purchasing property, up to a maximum purchase price of $750,000. The concession is available once in a lifetime.
Mail hold and redirection
Australia Post provides a reduced fee for redirecting mail to a new mailing address for up to 12 months for eligible cardholders.
Postage stamps
Australia Post provides concession stamps for mail within Australia.
For assistance in your application for the Commonwealth Seniors Health Care Card, or questions about your eligibility, contact us on 03 5434 7600.