During the COVID-19 pandemic, Medicare ineligible people requiring testing, treatment or other public health supports related to COVID‑19 will have free access to medical care. This includes pathology, diagnostic, pharmaceutical and outpatient care in the ACT public health system.
ACT Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said this was an important step to ensure that every Canberran has access to safe and appropriate healthcare related to COVID-19.
“There may be some people in our community who are not eligible for Medicare and are concerned about the potential for out-of-pocket costs associated with testing and treatment.
“We do not want anyone in our community choosing not to get tested or seek healthcare for COVID-19. People who are not eligible for Medicare can be assured that these costs will be covered.
“The ACT is a refugee welcome zone and asylum seekers can already access public healthcare. This decision extends free healthcare for COVID-19 to other temporary visa holders who don’t have health insurance that will cover the costs of care.
“I encourage anyone experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 to attend one of the respiratory assessment centres to be tested,” said Minister Stephen-Smith.
Medicare ineligible patients include people who:
- are not an Australian permanent resident; or
- are not entitled to hold a valid Medicare card; or
- are temporary entrants or temporary visa holders; or
- are not from a country that has a Reciprocal Health Care Arrangement with Australia.
An overseas visitor or an international student are common examples of people who may be Medicare ineligible.
Many people who are not permanent residents will have private health insurance or travel insurance and this arrangement does not apply to people who use their insurance policy or have a contract with a Visiting Medical Officer.
This policy applies only during the COVID-19 pandemic period and costs will be jointly shared by the ACT Government and Commonwealth.
