Will the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card changes impact you?

The card provides: 

• cheaper medicine under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS); extended Medicare Safety Net; and 

• the potential for small cash benefits throughout the year, including the cost of living allowances. 

Access to the card is asset-test exempt and only assesses your adjusted taxable income (ATI), which needs to be below the cut-out threshold, currently $57,761 for singles and $92,416 for couples. 

Prior to the Federal election, both sides of politics vowed to review these income thresholds as they have not had any major review for some time. The Bill to increase the thresholds passed the lower house on 4 August 2022 and will soon be introduced into the Senate. 

The government proposes to significantly increase adjustable taxable income before the cut-off limit to $90,000 per annum for a single person and $144,000 for couples.  

On 20 September of each year, the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card income test limits are indexed in line with increases in the Consumer Price Index. It is proposed the increased income test limits, as amended, will substitute for the indexation of the income test limits on 20 September 2022. 

The CSHC provides access to some additional benefits. It may also be possible to qualify for a Low-Income Health Card (LIHC), which provides additional concessions from State and Local Governments and private businesses. 

The income test treatment for both cards differs, so talk to your financial adviser today about your options. 

 

Reference: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/income-test-for-commonwealth-seniors-health-card?context=21966