EmailHospital Circular 25/2001
Date Issued: 21 December 2001
Publication: 25/2001
Distribution: Public Hospitals
Subject: PBS co-payment and Safety Net threshold
Purpose: To advise hospitals of the PBS co-payment and Safety Net threshold for 2002.
Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) co-payment and Safety Net threshold
Hospitals not participating in the Australian Health Care Agreement- Pharmaceutical Reforms
The Commonwealth has advised that effective 1 January 2002 the new level of PBS patient co-payment for concessional patients is $3.60, and their new safety net threshold is $187.20. The new level of PBS patient co-payment for non-concessional (general) patients will be $15.40 and their new safety net threshold is $686.40.
Hospitals are advised that they may record $3.60 for every eligible supply to concessional patients from 1 January 2002 and $15.40 for every eligible supply to general patients.
Hospitals participating in the Australian Health Care Agreement-Pharmaceutical Reforms
From 1 January 2002 hospitals participating in the Australian Health Care Agreement- Pharmaceutical Reforms will be able to record $3.60 for every eligible PBS supply to concessional patients and up to the "Maximum Recordable Value for Safety Net" as listed in the appropriate Schedule of Pharmaceutical Benefits for supply to general patients. These hospitals will also be able to record the cost price for supply of non-PBS items up to a maximum of $22.40.
To access this update in the Fees and Charges for Acute Health Services in Victoria: A Handbook for Public Hospitals, refer to:
Section B: Fees for Non-Admitted Patients
3. Pharmaceutical Fees and
3.1 Pharmaceutical Benefits Safety Net Scheme
EFFECTIVE: 1 January 2002
Shane Solomon
Executive Director
Metropolitan Health and Aged Care Services
