Does anyone else get confused over seniors cards?
Or concerned about the inconsistencies which apply to the various seniors card holders? This issue was highlighted by AboutSeniors subscriber, Annie, this week when she pointed out the discrimination she believes she is subject too – just because the amount she has saved enough for retirement is above the Centrelink assets test.
Now without wishing to unleash a flood of angry responses, we think it is very important to pursue this topic.
At AboutSeniors, we appreciate how tough it is for everyone: pensioners – both single and couples – and self funded retirees facing prices increases and reduced benefits.
Annie’s concern is that her assets have taken her over the Pension Concession Card limit – just – meaning the benefits to which she is entitled on the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card are far fewer that those a single pensioner is receiving on rates, water, sewerage, power, pet registration, medical, hospital, ambulance and more. She believes she is being punished for saving for her old age, given that the CSHC just covers prescriptions and phone.
We see her point.
Yet we are also aware that some Australians who receive the pension did not have a choice when it came to saving for old age. Many, particularly women, had a fragmented work history, a low exposure (if at all) to superannuation savings plans, and some have been abandoned by families who they have supported in earlier years. So to suggest all independent retirees have saved well, and those who are on a pension have not, seems far too simplistic – and rather unfair.
Annie suggests we need a two-tier system for the health care card.
We believe Annie is correct – and that this further reinforces our call for a higher age pension – for singles, for couples, and yes, Annie, a much more generous approach to the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card for those who are currently just over the limit for assets for a pension.
Share your thoughts on these concessions now.