Medicare Levy & Medicare Levy Surcharge Explained

To have access to a great public healthcare system, most Australian residents pay the Medicare Levy, which is 2% of taxable income.

Foreign residents and some low wage earners are exempt from the Medicare Levy.

For example, a person with two young children earning less than $30,000 will not pay the Medicare Levy.

Singles who have a total income of more than $90,000 and families or couples earning more than $180,000 will pay an additional fee known as The Medicare Levy Surcharge unless they hold adequate private health insurance. The income thresholds include Super contributions, fringe benefits and net investment losses.

For example, Greg and Sheila have combined total income of $200,000 but no private health insurance so they will pay the Medicare Levy Surcharge in addition to the Medicare Levy.

By having private health insurance cover for the entire tax year, Greg and Sheila may not be liable for the extra surcharge.

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True or False: If you have private health insurance you don't pay Medicare

Most Australian residents pay the Medicare LEVY, even if they have private health insurance. Private health insurance applies to the Medicare Levy Surcharge, which is for higher income earning singles and families.