19 May 2009
ADF Family Healthcare Trial Gets Underway
Mr Snowdon said that under the trial approximately 2,700 Defence dependants in Cairns (QLD), Singleton (NSW), Katherine (NT), Sale (VIC) and the Pilbara region in WA can access basic health care at little or no cost.
“Looking after Defence families is something this Government takes seriously and this initiative will provide practical support to the dependants of ADF personnel,” Mr Snowdon said.
“We are testing delivery models to ensure that ADF dependants will not only be able to access basic medical care at little or no cost, but they have choice and flexibility about who they consult with. Here in Cairns, 54 doctors have already agreed to support the ADF Family Health Trial. Medicare Australia will administer these services through bulk billing arrangements.
“The trial also has provision for dependants to claim up to $300 each for non-cosmetic dental services, which can be accessed at any dentist in Australia.”
Dependants registered for the trial will be issued with an ADF Family Health card which will enable them to submit claims electronically at most dentists, up to the capped amount.
Navy Health Ltd has been engaged by Defence to provide the ADF Family Health card, as well as customer service and claims processing. Navy Health Ltd come to Defence with over 50 years experience in the health industry..
“The ADF Family Health Trial is one way we can support Defence families as they support our Defence men and women.”
The trial will be expanded to include Townsville (QLD), Darwin (NT) and Puckapunyal (VIC) in October, allowing about a further 13,300 ADF dependants to benefit from this initiative.
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Commander Joint Health, Major General Paul Alexander, and Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, the Hon Warren Snowdon MP, arrive at the launch of the ADF Family Health Care trial, at the Draper Street Family Medical Centre in Cairns.
(Date uploaded: 19 May 2009)
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Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, the Hon Warren Snowdon MP (left), greets Defence Force family member and patient Corinne Priddy (aged eight), with her mother Robyn and father Chief Petty Officer Paul Priddy of Freshwater, Cairns, at the launch of ADF Family Health Care trial, at the Draper Street Family Medical Centre in Cairns.
(Date uploaded: 19 May 2009)
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Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, the Hon Warren Snowdon MP, with Dr Ian Cole (right) and Defence Force family member and patient Corinne Priddy (aged eight) of Freshwater, Cairns, at the launch of the ADF Family Health Care trial, at the Draper Street Family Medical Centre in Cairns.
(Date uploaded: 19 May 2009)
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Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, the Hon Warren Snowdon MP, with Dr Ian Cole (right) and Defence Force family member and patient Corinne Priddy (aged eight) of Freshwater, Cairns, at the launch of the ADF Family Health Care trial, at the Draper Street Family Medical Centre in Cairns.
(Date uploaded: 19 May 2009)
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(Left to right) Director General Personnel - Army, Brigadier Gerard Fogarty, Director-General Garrison Health Support, Commodore Robyn Walker, CO HMAS Cairns, Commander Bob Heffey, Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, the Hon Warren Snowdon MP, Commander 1st Division, Major General Michael Slater, and Commander Joint Health, Major General Paul Alexander, at the launch of the ADF Family Health Care trial, at the Draper Street Medical Centre in Cairns.
(Date uploaded: 19 May 2009)
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Director General Personnel – Army, Brigadier Gerard Fogarty, greets the Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, the Hon Warren Snowdon MP, whilst Commander Joint Health, Major General Paul Alexander, watches at the launch of the ADF Family Health Care trial, at the Draper Street health Centre in Cairns.
