My radium treatment was $23000 upfront but in rolling amounts. I had hit the Medicare threshold so I got 85% back. So I had to use my credit card. Had to clear the credit card first to be able to pay. For example paid $10000 and Medicare paid $8500 same day, then $8000 and Medicare paid 85% back same day, then balance etc.
My chemo was covered hospital covered by private health but massive out of pocket costs for surgeon and oncologist appointments unless they were in hospital. All this onto of my private health premiums. It is such a flawed system. The Medicare schedule fees are way too low. I think my treatment cost is over $20k for last year and this year I had another surgery and other health costs so looking at a similar figure this year.
I have had private cover all my life but seriously feel it is questionable. It did help access treatment quickly and i had good doctors and treatment but so does the public system. Seems I pay private health to pay even more.
