Private OB's and out of pocket costs with Medicare

[glenny_c]

It has been increased to $2000 now. So you get 20% back of every out of pocket dollar AFTER $2000. You don't get anything back from the intial $2000.

[sunshine 11]

Jen - the medical expenses tax rebate is one of the standard rebates available to everyone. As it's a rebate, not a deduction this means that as long as you owe tax, you can get 20% of ever dollar back over $2000 out of pocket (up from $1500 last year) - the pooled total medical expenses for anyone in your family, including children up to 21 (and more - see link below).

This means that you don't need to put it under your hightest income earner as it's not a deduction (which is where the higher the marginal tax rate, the better the return). As long as you owe more tax than you are owed for the rebate, you can put it under your own tax, but include your familys medical costs. Without wanting to be harsh, your accountant isn't doing a good job by not knowing about this, but most people luckily don't go anywhere near this limit.

Remember, it's not just for Medicare claimable expenses, it's also for things like glasses, prescriptions and physios if you are referred by a doctor.

Have a look here:
T9 - 20% tax offset on net medical expenses over the threshold amount

[EsJay]

There must be a reason why he didnt let me claim it, he is very very good, i run my own company, i am therefore very choosy about accountants. I would say it was a misunderstanding between him and i at the time and thats why he said he hadnt heard about it. i will ask him about it again this year, thanks for the link, ill have a looksee and talk to him about it

[LionsandBears]

Millay, do you mind me asking the name of the IM doing shared care with your OB? I've seen an OB to do shared care at Jessie Mac as well. I heard John Regan is really lovely.

[millsy81]

Hi Lionsandbears,

I've been doing heaps of research and i'm not even pregnant yet..hope to be in the next few months.
However Joy Johnston will do shared care with John Regan at Jesse Mac.
I'll be trying for a vbac and wanted to have an IM with me whilst i labour at home...looking at it it's sooo expensive though...and not sure whether i can justify that much $$$$.
Approx $3,000 for an IM and nearly $5,000 for John.
Who are you seeing?
Are you trying for a vbac too?
Kate