Private Health Fund Reforms 2019

What’s the deal with private health fund changes? Does it affect my favourite therapies?

So you may have heard that there have been some recent changes to the private health insurance legislation. This is true, as at April 1, 2019 changes surrounding health fund rebates for complimentary therapies have commenced. The good news is, Acupuncture and Chinese medicine have not been affected by the change! They will continue to be listed under therapies with private health fund status.

Can I continue to claim benefits for Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine from my private health fund?

Absolutely! Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine have maintained their private health fund status. This is obviously limited to the parameters of the cover that you have selected from your specific health fund provider. We at Bloom Chinese Medicine would recommend you speak to your current health fund provider to ensure you current policy covers all your requirements. They will ensure you have selected specific extras cover option that includes Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. Here at Bloom Chinese Medicine we have health fund provider status with provider numbers to facilitate your health fund transactions.

What therapies have been affected by the changes?

The federal government has made a decision to no longer allow health fund providers to issue rebates for a number of therapies. Here is a list for your reference:

• Alexander Technique
• Aromatherapy
• Bowen Therapy
• Buteyko Breathing technique
• Feldenkrais
• Homeopathy
• Iridology
• Kinesiology
• Naturopathy
• Pilates
• Reflexology
• Rolfing
• Shiatsu Massage
• Tai Chi
• Western Herbalism
• Yoga

How can I claim my private health insurance at Bloom Chinese Medicine?

At Bloom Chinese Medicine we offer hicaps and eftpos facilities for your convenience and ease of process. This enables you to claim from most major health fund providers electronically and on the spot. This saves you time and means you won’t need to chase up your rebate afterwards. How much will I get back from my private health fund for Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine? This depends on your individual policy and the level of cover your health fund provides. For peace of mind we suggest you contact your health fund and check your limits of entitlement for both initial and follow up consultations. They will also be able to let you know what your limit is for the entirety of your policy year round.

We are so pleased to be able to continue to offer you high quality health care with private health fund benefits. See you soon!

About the Author:
Dr. Emily (Emmy) Cox (BHSc.Acu) joined the Bloom Chinese Medicine team in early 2019. Emily's passions in clinic lie in the areas of gynaecology, natural conception, fertility management, IVF support, pre and post-partum care, autoimmune disease management, and more. She is highly trained in these areas and is comprehensively trained in the highly effective Fertile Life Method.Over time Emmy has developed an interest in helping people to reach their full health potential, and offers a gentle style of treatment that focuses on the individual’s health goals. Learn more about Emily here.

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