Apr 28, 2024
I hear this statement quite a lot. Although in some situations it is true. I find more often than not – there is always some potential benefits clients can obtain from Centrelink, even those who think they have too many assets or income.
The entitlement I am referring to is the Commonwealth Seniors Health Care Card.
This - as quoted from the Services Australia website gives access the card holder access to:
- Cheaper medicine under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme
- Bulk billed doctor visits - this is up to your doctor
- A refund for medical costs when you reach the Medicare Safety Net.
This card is generally available to those who are of age pension age and can’t get an age pension due to their asset level or income level. There are other criteria also however I am going to focus on the asset/income part.
This entitlement is means tested, however it only looks at the income part of your situation, it ignores all your assets.
I have an example below of someone who is age pension age, significant level of assets but still eligible for the Commonwealth Seniors Health Care Card.
Client: Bob
Date of Birth: 28/04/1957 (67)
Assets:
- Principal Residence = $1,000,000
- Car = $20,000
- Contents = $10,000
- Deemed account based pension: $2,000,000 …