Health
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Hospital Circular 16/2000

Date Issued: 12 September 2000
Publication: 16/2000
Distribution: Acute Health Circular Registrants
Subject: Temporary Protection Visas (subclass 785) holders

  1. Medicare eligibility
  2. Early Health Assessment and Intervention Program

Purpose: To request you note the following information and forward it as necessary to approrite staff.

Background

The Commonwealth Government has introduced a Temporary Protection Visa (subclass 785) - hereafter TPV. This visa is specifically for people who have arrived in Australia unlawfully but who have subsequently been recognized by Australia as genuine refugees who may be eligible for permanent residency. To date the majority of TPV holders are Afghanis and Iraqis and the main languages spoken are likely to be Dari, Pashto and Arabic.

1. MEDICARE ELIGIBILITY

1.1 TPV holders in Victoria

The Commonwealth Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs (DIMA) recently advised that:

  1. TPV holders are now eligible for Medicare without having to apply for a permanent protection visa;

  2. The Commonwealth Minister for Health and Aged Care has signed a ss6(1) class order, the essence of which is that TPVs will be eligible for Medicare provided that they:

    • reside in Australia; and
    • hold a subclass 785 visa;

  3. The order by the Minister does not specify a date from which TPV holders become eligible, therefore all 785 visa holders are eligible for Medicare even if their visa was issued prior to the signing of the order;

  4. TPV holders should be advised that when they seek to use public hospitals or other Medicare funded services, they will need to take a copy of the letter stating that they have been granted a TPV. These copies will be provided by DIMA on the morning of arrival; and

  5. If proof of residence is sought by Medicare, Medicare should be advised that since TPV holders can't re-enter Australia if they leave, their presence is proof of residence.

Please advise Vivienne Fink, Acute Heath of disputes about Medicare eligibility entitlement to public hospitals services for TPV holders (subclass 785). Contact details: vivienne.fink@dhs.vic.gov.au; ph 96167661. All other enquiries please contact your Regional Office.

2. Early Health Assessment and Intervention Program

The Victorian Foundation for Survivors of Torture's Early Health Assessment and Intervention Program, can be accessed by TPV holders (subclass 785) on a referral basis. The program is funded by DIMA for newly arrived humanitarian entrants including Temporary Protection Visa holders.

Program services include psycho-educative information (eg the impact of trauma on daily living), psycho-social health assessments, referrals to health services and, where required, a short term intervention which may include counselling. The contact person is Ms Mardi Stow: Tel 9388 0022 or via Reception at Foundation House (9388 0022).

Update to Fees manual

For update to the Fees and Charges for Acute Health Services in Victoria: A Handbook for Public Hospitals ('State's Fees Manual') in accordance with this Circular advice.

Section A: Fees for Admitted Patients

8. Eligible & Ineligible Patients

CHRIS BROOK
DIRECTOR
ACUTE HEALTH

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