The Commonwealth Government provides financial assistance for medical expenses to all members of the public through Medicare.

For more information on who is eligible and what services are covered log onto www.medicareaustralia.gov.au or phone: 13 20 11.

Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)

The Australian Government subsidises the cost of more than 2600 brands of prescription medicine and is considered one of the best in the world with around 80% of all prescriptions subsidised under the PBS.

PBS medicines cost a maximum of  $30.70 each or $4.90 if you have a concession card with the Government paying for the rest of the cost.

Medicines available on the PBS are listed at www.pbs.gov.au and the schedule is updated each month.

For more information on the PBS log onto www.health.gov.au/pbs or phone: 1800 020 613.

PBS Legal issues

It is illegal to take or send Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) subsidised medication out of Australia other than for personal use and offences carry heavy fines. Fines of up to $5,000 and two years imprisonment can apply if you are caught.

There are also restrictions on the amount of PBS subsidised medicine you can take or send overseas. Attempting to export more than the allowable quantity carries a two year jail term. For more information: Medicare Australia .

Medicare Safety Net

Medical expenses related to your income and if your combined income is below $80,000, will either be free or reduced.

If you or your family need a lot of medicine in a calendar year, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) Safety Net contributes to the cost of that medicine. Once a threshold is reached, you can apply for a PBS Safety Net card and PBS medicine will be less expensive (or free) for the rest of the calendar year.

Individual thresholds (from January 2007) are $1059 with a Safety Net contribution of $4.90. For concession card holders the yearly limit is $274.40 and PBS medicines are free

You will be eligible if your family qualifies for Family Tax Benefit Part A or you are covered by these Commonwealth concession cards:

• Health Care Card
• Pensioner Concession Card
• Commonwealth Seniors Health Card.

For details of Family Tax Benefit Part A income limits visit the Family Assistance website at www.familyassist.gov.au or ring the Family Assistance Office on 13 61 50.

Keep a record of your PBS medicine on a prescription record form from your pharmacy.

Medical Expense Claims

A net medical expense is the money you have paid for treatment, less Medicare or private health refunds.

Expenses relating to most illnesses or surgery and those paid to recognised practitioners or for services in public or private hospitals can be claimed.

20% of your net medical expenses over the threshold amount can be claimed with no limit on the amount you can claim.

When making a claim you may be asked to provide:

• Details of claimable medical expenses
• Details of refunds you have received or are entitled to receive from Medicare or your private health fund
• Your Medicare financial tax statement

For more information refer to the Australian Tax Office website: www.ato.gov.au