Revised Explanatory Memorandum
(Circulated by authority of the Minister for Veterans' Affairs, The Honourable Dan Tehan MP)Schedule 5A - Pharmaceutical Benefits
Overview
Schedule 5A amends the definition of 'concessional beneficiary' in the National Health Act 1953 to ensure that DVA clients on receipt of their Pensioner Concession Card can continue to access discounted pharmaceuticals.
Background
Schedule 5A of the Bill corrects an oversight that occurred during the drafting to the Social Services Legislation Amendment (Energy Assistance Payments and Other Measures) Act 2017.
This amendment amends the definition of "concessional beneficiary" in subparagraph 84(1)(c)(ii) of the National Health Act 1953 by referring to a person who is eligible for fringe benefits under section 53A of the Veterans' Entitlements Act.
This ensures that a person who is eligible for fringe benefits under section 53A of the Veterans' Entitlements Act comes within the definition of a concessional beneficiary and therefore is eligible for discounted pharmaceuticals as a holder of a Pensioner Concession Card.
Commencement
Clause 2 provides that the amendments made by Schedule 5A commence the day after this Act receives Royal Assent.