Community Services Card Assists Those Who Qualify

From the early years of the twentieth century to today, New Zealand’s health care system has undergone dramatic change. One hundred years ago it was strictly a public system for everyone. Today health care in New Zealand  mixes both public and private elements, with major modifications occurring primarily in the last thirty years.  As officials develop proposals aimed at making health care affordable for everyone, one public program that benefits the low to moderate income population continues to provide assistance.  The Community Services Card is issued by the Ministry of Health to citizens who qualify to pay less for health care services and prescriptions.

Who Qualifies?

Qualification is based on income, age and family status. The income requirements are on a sliding scale with the maximum allowable income increasing as the family size becomes larger.
In order to qualify for this card, a person must be at least 18 years of age (or at least16 years old and independent), a New Zealand permanent resident, and earn a wage that is no more than the maximum amount of the chart posted on the Work and Income website for his or her family size.  The definition of a family is one or two parents with dependent children under 18 years of age, or without children.  A New Zealander living overseas can also qualify to receive a Community Services Card, but only if a Portable New Zealand Superannuation, or veteran’s pension, is being received.

How to Get a Community Services Card

Work and Income is a governmental department that serves as the administrator of the Community Services Card program for New Zealand’s Ministry of Health. There is an application on line at  the Work and Income website in PDF format.  This online application, which is 12 pages long, includes instructions and should be sent directly to the Ministry of Social Development when completed.

What are the Benefits?

Those who qualify for the Community Services Card benefit by paying less for prescription fees, as well as fees for seeing the doctor outside of regular hours.  If you need to visit another doctor who is not your primary care physician, costs are also reduced.

Optical and dental care are also included.  Children under 16 years of age in need of glasses receive them at a lower cost if their parents have a Community Services Card.  Also covered are dental emergencies dental  that needs to be done at a hospital or by an approved dentist at the office.  Check with your dentist to find out if he or she in on the approved list and honors the Community Services Card.

If it is necessary to travel outside the area for medical care – and “outside” is defined as 80 kilometers for adults and 25 kilometers for children – then transportation and the cost of an overnight stay will be charged at a reduced cost for those with a Community Services Card.  Conversely, a patient requiring medical help at home can also receive a lower cost.

In some cases, a person or family will automatically receive a Community Services Card without needing to  going through the application process.  For instance, if you receive a child disability allowance, independent youth benefit, veteran’s pension or widow’s benefit, you will be given a Community Services Card.  To see all the other instances in which the Community Services Card is automatically issued, visit the Work and Income website.

Some Words of Caution

As with most services to which a person applies, it is important to carefully read the requirements and  fill out the application completely.  When stating income, include all sources such as wages, pensions, student allowances, interest and dividends from investments, income from a family trust, and child support.  Benefits received from sources that provide free services must also be reported as income.

Additionally there are specific and fairly stringent proof of income requirements, especially for the self-employed who have to provide the “latest full set of business accounts and tax summaries with your application,” according to the website.  Requirements are different for those who are  self-employed with dependent children. In that case, the Ministry of Health requests that you “attach a copy of your Personal Tax Summary or Working for Families Tax Credits Certificate of Entitlement [only]. You don’t have to send your business records.”

While the Community Services Card program is very much alive, alterations to the health care system in New Zealand continue to take place.  Permanent residents of that country with low to moderate income can apply for help with health care costs.  However,  those hoping to qualify need to understand the Ministry of Health’s definition of income and submit all requested documentation.

photo credit: www.wellington.govt.nz