As the year draws to a close, it’s a great time to check in on your Medicare Safety Net status and take advantage of the rebates available to you. Australia’s Medicare Safety Net system helps reduce out-of-pocket medical costs when you’ve had significant healthcare expenses within a calendar year.

For 2025, the Original Medicare Safety Net (OMSN) threshold is set at $576 in gap fees for out-of-hospital services. Once you reach this amount, Medicare increases your rebate to cover 100% of the scheduled fee for those services. This means less money out of your pocket for GP visits, specialist consultations, diagnostic tests, and more.

But there’s more! The Extended Medicare Safety Net (EMSN) kicks in after you spend $2,615.50 in out-of-pocket costs (or just $834.50 for concession cardholders and families receiving Family Tax Benefit Part A). After crossing these thresholds, Medicare covers up to 80% of your future out-of-pocket expenses for many medical services throughout the remainder of the calendar year. This can significantly ease the financial burden of ongoing healthcare needs.

What does this mean for you? If you have any outstanding appointments or health checks to do, now is an excellent time to schedule them before the end of the year. By approaching or surpassing these Medicare thresholds, you maximize your rebates and minimize your expenses.
Remember, out-of-pocket costs include the gap between what your doctor charges and what Medicare rebates. Ensure your payments are verified by fully paying your health professional’s fees up front so these count toward your thresholds.

For more detailed information or to check your current Medicare safety net status, visit Services Australia or speak with our friendly staff at any of our clinics.

Stay healthy with Top Health Doctors!