Public Health; An Insight to (NZ)

Insight

The Government funds over 75% of healthcare services provided in New Zealand.

Almost all New Zealanders have access to the essential health services.

There are approximately 80 public hospitals in New Zealand.

Funding is dispersed between a number of organizations, including private health care providers, such as testing laboratories, radiology centres, general practitioners, and voluntary organizations such as Family Planning Associations, Plunket, The Deaf Association of New Zealand, The Cancer Society of New Zealand and more.

Physiotherapists, Chiropractors and Osteopaths

Physiotherapy: Treat muscular injuries by ways of manipulation, exercise and the use of heat.

Chiropractors: Treat injuries to joints

Osteopaths: Treat bone displacement

Both Chiropractors and Osteopaths specialize in spinal disorders.


Visits to any of these specialists are not covered by Government subsidies, unless they are part of an ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation) claim.
You must be referred by a G.P. under ACC policies or you will have to pay the full cost of these services yourself.

Disability Support Services

If you have a disability or on going health condition that is proven to be expected to last longer than 6 months, you may be entitled to assistance from Disability Support Services.

These services include:
• Information and advice
• Personal Care i.e. dressing, washing, eating.
• Cleaning and cooking services
• Rehabilitation services
• The supply of aids, wheel chairs, crutches, hearing aids etc
• Support for family carers.

To eligible for any of these services you will need a “Needs Assessment Test”

Contact your local G.P or W.I.N.Z. or A.C.C to discuss this if required.

Health Services for Elderly

As the population of New Zealand ages, it is natural that some will become less capable of looking after themselves; it is recognized that some may not be able to continue living in their own houses.

They may choose to move to a rest home or into long term hospital care.
Your G.P will recommend an assessor from the District Health Board visit and complete a needs assessment test as mention earlier.

The needs assessment test also includes an income an asset test, if you can afford it, then it is expected that you will contribute towards the costs of residential care.

The subsidies are generally only available if you are over 65 and meet the level of eligibility however in some cases it is possible to qualify from age 50.

Contact WINZ to discuss eligibility.
Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC)

It doesn’t matter if you are a citizen, resident or a temporary visitor, if you are in New Zealand and have an accident you are covered under the Government Funded ACC insurance.

However the percentage of cover, the lump sum pay outs and the weekly compensation packages have changed several times over the years. There is no guarantee that the cover of today will be the same of yesterday or tomorrow.

ACC operates what they call a 24 hour no fault policy and strives to get everybody back to earning capacity as soon as possible.
ACC will usually help with the costs of treatment if you suffer an accident related injury, medical error or a sex assault.

All Accident victims are entitled to free hospital care. (Although I know of cases where patients have been required to rent crutches and pay for prescriptions from their own pockets.) I mentioned earlier that these payments have changed several times throughout my experience with the system.

ACC may pay part of the cost for other services, including dental, physiotherapists, chiropractors, osteopaths, podiatrists, acupuncturists and occupational therapists. You are required to pay the difference.

If you are working at the time of your accident then ACC will pay 80% of your wage as long as you stay eligible, which generally means you must complete a medical examination every 3 months and participate in any form of rehabilitation that the case manager assigned to you feels you are fit for.

If you suffer a permanent disability ACC will organize an assessment for a lump sum payment. (This has varied over the years and is not guaranteed)

Consult your G.P to assist with making a Claim to ACC.
If you are in hospital the nursing staff may assist you with this.