The West Australian --- Page: 39 : 28 April 2008 Original article by Annette Sampson
LexisNexis Summary
The Medicare levy surcharge was originally intended to apply solely to people on high incomes who lack private health insurance. However, many people on average incomes are now liable for the surcharge, due to the Australian Government's failure to increase income thresholds. A person on a middle income of $A60,000 would pay a Medicare surcharge of $A600. Many Australians may find it cheaper to take out private health insurance, particularly as their income rises. Meanwhile, the Australian Taxation Office has noted that changes in an income-earner's personal circumstances may affect their liability to pay the surcharge.
