A measure contained in the October 2022 Federal Budget intends to ease cost of living pressures by giving you access to a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card.

The income threshold to receive a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card will increase after the amending legislation becomes law. The new threshold will be:

• $90,000 per year if you are single (up from $50,000), or
• $72,000 each per year if you are in a couple (up from $40,000).

A Commonwealth Seniors Health Card will entitle you to cheaper medicine under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, bulk billing doctors and a refund of medical costs when you reach the Medicare safety net.

Also, you may be entitled to discounts on electricity and gas bills, property and water rates, and public transport costs depending on where you live.

If you would like to know more information about any of these measures, please do not hesitate to contact our office.