Major dental
Major dental procedures are just that – major. They are more extensive than General dental services and include procedures such as surgical extractions, crowns, bridgework, and root canals. They are also more expensive and will generally incur an out-of-pocket expense. And a great story to scare your friends.
Medical Benefits Schedule (MBS)
A list of medical fees as set by the Government.
Medicare always gives you a generous rebate for these costs, whether you have private health insurance or not. It pays 75% of the MBS fee for your in-hospital medical costs and 85% for any medical costs you incur outside of hospital. Private health insurers like Frank will pay the remainder of your costs up to 100% of the MBS fee.
When a doctor charges above the MBS, Frank offers Gap Cover to help shield you from some of the extra costs.
Medicare levy
A tax that Australian residents pay to fund public healthcare. Typically, it’s 1.5% of your taxable income. Don’t confuse the Medicare levy and the Medicare levy surcharge – they’re different.
Medicare levy surcharge
The Medicare levy surcharge is a charge placed on individuals and families on higher incomes who don’t have private hospital cover. It encourages Australians who can afford private health insurance to take it up and reduce the burden on the public health system.
The surcharge is 1% of your taxable income in addition to the normal 1.5% Medicare levy. It applies to singles with a taxable income greater than $80,000 and couples and families with a combined taxable income of more than $160,000. This income bracket increases by $1,500 per dependant child after the first child.
Take a look at Frank’s blog on the recent MLS changes.
Membership card
Think of it as your Frank ID card. It features your membership number, the names of all the people covered by that membership and Frank’s contact details. Keep yours handy for when you’re arranging admission to hospital, visiting a participating provider and contacting Frank.