The Guides to Social Policy Law is a collection of publications designed to assist decision makers administering social policy law. The information contained in this publication is intended only as a guide to relevant legislation/policy. The information is accurate as at the date listed at the bottom of the page, but may be subject to change. To discuss individual circumstances please contact Services Australia.

3.9.1.65 HCC benefits

Concessions for HCC holders

HCC holders (and in some instances their dependants (1.1.D.65)) may receive:

  • medicines listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) at the concessional rate
  • bulk-billed GP appointments, at the discretion of the GP (the Australian Government provides financial incentives for GPs to bulk-bill concession cardholders), and
  • a reduction in the cost of out-of-hospital medical expenses, above a concessional threshold, through access to the lower threshold of the Extended Medicare Safety Net.

Duration of HCC

Refer to the table in 3.9.1.10 for the period of HCC issue for the various categories of cardholders.

Act reference: SSAct section 1061ZK Qualification: general rules, section 1061ZM Qualification for HCCs: employment-affected person, section 1061ZO Qualification

EMEP

The EMEP is an annual payment available to people or their carers who are covered by an eligible concession card, and use essential medical equipment or additional heating/cooling to manage their disability or medical condition in their home.

Policy reference: SS Guide 3.15.4 EMEP - qualification & payability

Last reviewed: