C13/2009 2010 Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC)

Replaced by DI No.

C — 14/2010

Amends DI No.

Replaces DI No.

C21/200 — 8

Purpose

To provide information about the annual bulk issue of the 2010 CSHC.

Background

The CSHC was introduced on 1 July 1994.  The card is issued annually and now entitles the holder to pharmaceuticals listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme at a concessional rate, the Medicare Safety Net threshold and concessional fare — s on the Great Southern Railway.  In addition, CSHC holders may be entitled to further state/territory concessions on presentation of their card to the relevant department or authority.

As a result of the Secure and Sustainable Pension reforms announced by the Australian Government in the 2009-10 Budget, from 20 September 2009 CSHC holders will receive a new quarterly payment of Seniors Supplement from DVA.  The Seniors Supplement will have the same value as Seniors Concession Allowance (SCA) and Telephone Allowance (TA) at the Internet rate, regardless of whether the CSHC holder has a telephone or Internet connection.  Seniors Supplement is only payable if resident in Australia or temporarily overseas.  Due to the new Seniors Supplement payment, SCA and TA will no longer be available to CSHC holders following the instalment that relates to the 20 September 2009 test date.

Eligibility

The CSHC is intended to assist eligible veterans and their partners (including widow/widowers, and war widow/widowers) of pension age who fail to qualify for pension due to assets or income in excess of the current limit.  Eligibility is determined manually by location office staff.

CSHC Income Test

The CSHC income test is based on the annual adjusted taxable income.  The CSHC income limit is as follows:

• $50,000 if single;
• $80,000 (combined), if a member of a couple;
• $100,000 (combined), if accepted as being separated due to ill health or respite care.

The above amounts are increased for each dependant child by $639.60.

Valid

The 2010 CSHC will be valid from 1 October 200 — 9 until 30 September 2010.

Numbers

The approximate number of cards to be produced from the bulk issue is 7,280.  The breakdown for each state is:

State

Number

NSW/ACT

2354

VIC

1664

QLD

1331

WA

1087

SA/NT

685

TAS

159

Total

7,280

Dates

The following dates apply to the 2010 annual bulk issue:

Task

Date

Production data extract

29 August 2009

Implement changes to daily template

31 August 2009

Produce reports for states

31 August 2009

Mailing house commence printing, enveloping and lodgement of cards

31 August 2009

Final lodgement date with Australia Post

before
11 September 2009

Reports

Summary and Non-Issued Reports will print at the nominated printers for location contacts on Monday 31 August.  In addition status reports will be provided to Income Support contacts regarding the printing, enveloping and lodgement of cards.

Daily Template

Changes to the daily template will be implemented on Friday 28 August at 6pm.  From this date a 2010 CSHC will be issued for grants and reissues.  This card can be used immediately.

Daily Stock

Stock supplies for grants and reissues have been sent to the contact officers.

T — he new carrier has been significantly changed.  Therefore, unlike previous years, old daily stock can not be used with the new daily template. Locations must commence using the new stock from Monday 31 August 2009.

Please return all 2009 stock to:

Sam Powell

Income Support

6th Floor

Lovett Tower

Canberra ACT 2006

CSHC Contacts

The CSHC Income Support contacts are as follows:

Location

Contact

NSW/ACT

Sue Cooney / Michele Dorsen

QLD

Mark Roughead

VIC

Greg Heitsch

SA/NT

Kim Jones

WA

Michelle Pauly

TAS

Bryon Kelly

Please advise Sam Powell, the project co-ordinator, if there any changes to the contact officers listed above.

Project Coordinator

The project co-ordinator for the bulk issue of the 2010 CSHC is Sam Powell, ext 16592.