VETERANS AND SENIORS AFFECTED BY CHANGES TO THE COMMONWEALTH SENIORS’ HEALTH CARD
The Member for Berowra, Philip Ruddock MP said today that the Rudd Government’s plans to take the Commonwealth Seniors’ Health Card from self funded retirees will also hurt some veterans.
As an example of self funded retirees there are over 15,222 seniors (over 65) and 1,882 Veterans and Veteran spouses in the seat of Berowra and they have all worked hard for their retirement,” Mr Ruddock said.
“These are people who genuinely want to take care of their own affairs, as much as they reasonably can, without relying on welfare from the Government, yet the Rudd Government is now seeking to deny them one of their few entitlements.”
Currently, the Commonwealth Seniors’ Health Card provides holders with access to discounted pharmaceuticals through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, the Seniors Concession Allowance, and the Telephone Allowance. It also provides access to the seniors’ bonus, which is $500 for 2008/09.
In addition, Commonwealth Seniors’ Health Card holders might also benefit from other concessions such as medical bulk billing, household, transport, education and entertainment facilities. These being at the discretion of the providers.
“The Government is proposing to modify the income test for the Commonwealth Seniors’ Health Card, so it will now include income from self-funded retirees’ superannuation from a private taxed source, and also income that is salary sacrificed to superannuation,” Philip Ruddock said.
“On the one hand we have the Rudd Government spending $42 billion dollars as part of a stimulus package, including individual payments of $12.7 billion dollars.
“Those not on an age service pension, and whose adjusted taxable income is currently less than $50,000 for a single person or $80,000 for combined with a partner, could potentially lose their Commonwealth Senior’s Health Card with the proposed income test changes.
“It is those with either income salary sacrificed into superannuation, those who have superannuation from private taxed superannuation sources, or those who have a combination of these and whose total income which takes them over the $50,000 or $80,000 limits, who could potentially lose access.
“In these tough economic times, and with self-funded retirees under pressure, they should not be punished for trying to prudently plan for their retirement.
“This threat to self-funded retirees, and some veterans, is hardly the act of a compassionate Government,” Philip Ruddock said.