More than 10,000 additional older Australians and veterans have had their cost of living pressures reduced after being granted a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card following eligibility changes last year.
In the first four months since the Albanese Labor Government introduced increased income thresholds, an additional 10,893 older Australians have been granted the card who would not have been eligible previously.
The annual income thresholds increased in November following the passage of legislation. These increased to:
- $90,000 for singles, up from the previous limit of $61,284; and
- $144,000 for couples, up from the previous limit of $98,054
The CSHC provides eligible Australians who have reached age pension or veteran pension age cheaper medicines and visits to the GP.
The range of Australian Government health concessions they can access include concessional co-payments for Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme medicines, the concessional thresholds for the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme Safety Net and the Extended Medicare Safety Net, and bulk-billed visits to a General Practitioner.
Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth said the Albanese Labor Government was delivering on its commitment to reduce cost of living pressures and assist older Australians.
“It’s incredible to see such a great take-up in such a short time,” Minister Rishworth said.
“We know that seniors value their concession cards and importantly, this change isn’t temporary. It’s permanent and will provide older Australians with ongoing benefits in the years ahead.
“Initial projections were that an additional 52,000 older Australians would benefit by 2026-27.”
Minister for Government Services Bill Shorten urged those eligible who had not yet applied to go to myGov to lodge their claim.
“How someone claims will depend on their circumstances and preferences,” Minister Shorten said.
“The easiest way to lodge a claim is to sign into myGov and go to Centrelink. You can make a claim from your homepage or through the new myGov app.
“While using online services remains a choice, support is available for those who need a hand to get started. All Services Australia service centres now offer digital support for people who need help to get set up.
“Customers are also able to submit a claim via the phones or by visiting a Service Centre.
“I would also encourage all Australians to download the new myGov app, where cards like the Commonwealth seniors Health Card are stored in the digital wallet.”
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel, Matt Keogh encouraged eligible veterans to lodge their claims.
“This will assist many veterans of veteran pension age with cost of living pressures,” Minister Keogh said.
The Commonwealth Seniors Health Card income limits will continue to be indexed annually.
Eligible Australians can find information about applying for a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card on the Services Australia website.