Bridging the access gap: Medicare ineligibility in people living with chronic hepatitis B. Issue 1 (24th January 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: MacLachlan, Jennifer H.; Cowie, Benjamin C.
• Is Part Of: Internal medicine journal. Volume 49:Issue 1(2019)
• Page Start: 122
• Page End: 125
• Publication Date: 2019-01-24
• Subjects: hepatitis B -- health service access -- antiviral treatment -- migrant health -- epidemiology; Medicine -- Periodicals; 616
• DOI: 10.1111/imj.14175
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1444-0903

Abstract

Abstract: People living in Australia on temporary student or work visas are excluded from Medicare access and can face barriers to adequate healthcare, even if they are privately insured. This analysis aimed to quantify this issue in relation to people living with chronic hepatitis B, the majority of whom in Australia were born overseas. The data suggest that an estimated 25 000 people living with chronic hepatitis B in Australia are ineligible for Medicare, 10% of the total number affected, with considerable potential impact in access to effective healthcare and prevention of adverse outcomes.