Seniors Health Card

Posted 14 Oct '22

More seniors will qualify for the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card

The income test to qualify for the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC) will increase to $90,000 a year for singles (up from $57,761) and to $144,000 a year for couples (up from $92,416).

Unlike the aged pension the CSHC does not include an asset test, but it does use some of your assets to estimate your income (deemed income).

To be eligible for the card you must:

• Be of Aged pension age or older
• Meet residence rules
• Meet the income test listed above
• Provide certain details
• Not be receiving any payment from Service Australia or Dept of Veterans Affairs

 A CSHC may provide you with benefits such as

• Cheaper medicine under the PBS
• Bulk billed doctors’ visits
• A refund of medical costs when you reach the Medicare safety net

 Other benefits, depending on your provider and your location, may include lowering any of these expenses:

• Electricity and gas bills
• Property and water rates
• Health care costs
• Public transport

The legislation to increase the income limits for the CSHC has passed both Houses and received Royal Assent on 28 October. The new limits commence seven days after the Bill receives Royal Assent.

For more information visit https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/commonwealth-seniors-health-card

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