Yes. Most people ask their GP if they are eligible for a GP Mental Health Plan so that a large proportion of the fee can be refundable through Medicare (typically 6 to 10 sessions). If you are eligible, please provide your GP Plan and letter of referral to your clinician. You may wish to tell your GP’s receptionist when booking an appointment to get this paperwork so that your GP allows sufficient time. Private health funds also provide rebates depending upon your policy, but both rebate systems can not be used together.
Medicare Fact Sheet for clients
Medicare Safety Net
Medicare provides the Medicare Safety Net scheme to help with out-of-pocket costs. The Medicare Safety Net is designed to assist high users of health services from large out-of-pocket expenses. For more information on the Medicare Safety Net, go to: www.medicareaustralia.gov.au.
For individuals who have qualified for the Medicare Safety Net a larger portion of the fee will be refunded (see http://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/services/medicare/medicare-safety-net ).
Many private health insurers offer rebates on psychological services depending upon an individuals level of cover. Rebates can not however be used in conjunction with Medicare rebates. It can also be helpful to talk to your accountant about managing your medical expenses. Conditions for benefits from private health insurers do vary and you usually need to be covered by ancillary benefits insurance (extras table). For some health funds the psychologist needs to be approved by the fund and the fund may require a medical referral. For further information contact your health fund provider or visit the following link: http://www.psychology.org.au/community/health_insurance