ADF Family Health Trial

The ADF Family Health Trial is aimed at evaluating a model of healthcare that will benefit Defence Families through subsidies.

Locations

The ADF Family Health Trial enables ADF Families to access to free basic healthcare when residing in the following regional or remote locations.
 
New South Wales—Singleton

Northern Territory—Alice Springs, Darwin, Katherine and Nhulunbuy

Queensland—Cairns, Mount Isa, Thursday Island, Townsville, Tully and Weipa

Victoria—Puckapunyal and Sale

Western Australia—Broome, Carnarvon, Derby, Exmouth, Karratha, Kununurra, Newman, Port Hedland and Tom Price.

About the Trial

In 2010, a mid-trial evaluation was conducted which included feedback from 700 Defence families. The findings of the evaluation showed that ADF families wanted greater choice in how they access the trial benefits. As a result significant changes to the trial were introduced in April 2011.

Families can visit any general practice - Eligible families are able to visit any general practice and be reimbursed for gap expenses — the difference between the general practice fee and Medicare rebate.

All Medicare-recognised services will be eligible - All Medicare-recognised medical services provided in a general practice are eligible for reimbursement. Families should claim the Medicare rebate and then claim any outstanding amount through the ADF Family Health Trial.

No Fringe Benefits Tax on Bulk Billed services - No fringe benefits tax (FBT) liability is attracted on services that are bulk billed. Only amounts claimed for reimbursement will attract FBT.

More flexibility - ADF dependants can now access a range of allied health services within the $330 limit. The Allied Health vocational groups included in the trial are Dental, Optical, Physiotherapy, Chiropractic / Osteopathologist, Psychology, Audiology, Speech Therapy, Dietician and Podiatry / Chiropodist.