Rainbow families hit the net
Same-sex couples and their children are now able to register as a family for the Medicare Safety Net in changes that came into effect on January 1.
The changes follow 2008’s amendments to around 100 discriminatory laws which now recognise same-sex couples and their families.
The Same-Sex Relationships (Equal Treatment in Commonwealth Laws -” General Law Reform) Act 2008 received royal assent on December 9 and accordingly same-sex couples now receive the same entitlements as opposite-sex couples.
The safety net is designed to assist families who need regular medical visits often resulting in high costs. Under the scheme, visits to the doctor from any family member can be added up to combine medical costs to meet the qualifying threshold sooner.
Same-sex families were disadvantaged as they were not recognised as family.
The Medicare Safety Net covers a range of out-of-hospital doctor visits and tests (excluding surgery),
such as GP and specialist consultations, ultrasounds, Pap smears, blood tests, CT scans and X-rays.
info: For further information or to register your family see the Medicare Australia website, www.medicareaustralia.gov.au
