Changes have occurred to the Schedule 4 Conditions 4005 and 4007 calculation of significant cost to the Australian community for the provision of health care or community services.
The policy threshold for significant cost has been increased from $40,000 to $49,000.
The time period over which these significant costs will be calculated is now 10 years.
Applicants with permanent conditions are likely to receive most benefit from these changes, with the Medical Officer of the Commonwealth now assessing the costs of services to these applicants over 10 years, rather than for life expectancy. (source MIA)