Cocoa How have the mighty fallen OT. 724

Umbrian

*Everyone* in Australia, apart from some categories of newly arrived migrants - and it's only a matter of months before they are covered - , is covered by basic medical care in public hospitals and by bulk billing by private GPs (although there can be a gap payment if the GP charges more than the standard fee). Private health insurance is available to all who can pay, which gives choice of doctors in hospitals etc - not so important in country areas where there are few private hospitals anyway. Private health insurance is funded by individuals, not employers. Everyone earning above a certain amount (relatively low) pays around 2% Medicare levy, added on to their tax - those on high incomes pay more (another ?5%?) if they don't have private health insurance, which is not tax deductible. Private health insurance also attracts a Government rebate of around $300 per year. Most drug prescriptions are covered by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme..currently $27 something (or less if the drug costs less) for most prescriptions, or $5 something for low income earners. And there is a Safety Net..if you spend more than whatever (cannot remember what the amount is) in a calendar year, subsequent prescriptions are free. We certainly are lucky. I think our basic tax rate is higher than yours :)

Anne South Australia