Medicare provide rebates for appointments when you a psychiatrist or psychologist. The rebate amount is set by the Australian Government and is linked to an item code. For example, item code 304 has a rebate of $137.45.
Each calendar year, Medicare adds up the 'out of pocket' amount you have paid on Medicare-rebateable medical appointments. That is the amount you paid above the Medicare rebate.
If what you have spent above the rebate reaches the Safety Net threshold, Medicare gives you a higher rebate towards your appointment. That reduces the out-of-pocket amount you need to pay.
Thresholds in this handout are:
Up to $594.40 - Medicare will pay a set amount allocated to that item code.
After $594.40 - Medicare pays a slightly higher amount allocated to that item code.
After the $861.20 or $2,699.10 - Medicare will pay the higher amount for that item code and also pay money towards your out-of-pocket amount.
Download the full handout below for more information.