From 1st November, there are changes to the types of procedures that Medicare will fund. That means if your operation no longer attracts an item number under the Medicare rules, your health fund will not contribute to the costs of your surgery.
The following common procedures will be affected:
- breast reductions (could cost and extra $6,500 if you don’t satisfy the new rules),
- breast lifts (could increase by $6,500 if you don’t satisfy the new rules),
- removal and replacement of implants (will go up by $8,000 if you don’t satisfy the new rules)
- combinations of some surgery will be limited (e.g., an abdominoplasty with another procedure like a breast reduction).
Should I book surgery before 31 October?
Don’t be daft! Book surgery at a time when you feel it is right for you, your work life balance and your family. We are happy to provide you with a completely transparent quote for the costs of surgery both with and without health fund support.
It’s your journey, you take control!
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.