Medical care

The easiest way to receive cheaper healthcare is by enrolling in a primary health organisation (PHO) - your local GP will probably belong to one.

According to our 2007 nationwide survey of GP fees, the usual PHO fee that someone over 64 could expect to pay varied between $22 and $29 per visit.

Government assistance is also available through Work and Income or the Ministry of Health. Some of this is income-tested, but not asset-tested.

• The SuperGold Card is a discount and concession card for all New Zealanders aged 65 and over, and those who would otherwise qualify for New Zealand Superannuation or the Veterans Pension. It provides access to government concessions and discounts for everyday goods and services. The SuperGold Card replaces the New Zealand Super Card issued to people receiving Superannuation or the Veterans Pension. When a person is eligible for a Community Services card as well as a SuperGold Card, their Community Services Card details are included on their SuperGold Card.
  
  
• The Community Services Card is available to low- or middle-income earners to enable them and their family to access subsidised health services. It reduces the cost of doctors' visits and prescription charges, but it's income-tested and you'll need to find out whether you qualify.
  
  
• A High Use Health Card has the benefits of a Community Services Card but is not based on income. This card is available to people who have had 12 or more GP consultations in the last year for an ongoing medical condition.
  
  
• You may be eligible for a Disability Allowance if you have a continuing health condition or disability that's likely to last for at least six months. This allowance helps with the costs of doctors' visits, hospital visits, medicines, transport, housecleaning, and gardening if these costs are directly related to the disability. It's income tested.
  
  
• A Pharmaceutical Subsidy Card (available from pharmacists) helps reduce the cost of frequent prescriptions. It can't be used in addition to the High Use Health Card or Community Services Card, though. Its purpose is to help people who face high prescription costs but who do not have one of these other cards.

Resources

• Community Services Card 0800 999 999 (info also at Ministry of Health www.moh.govt.nz and Work and Income www.workandincome.govt.nz)
  
  
• Disability Allowance www.workandincome.govt.nz/
  
  
• Primary health organisation (PHO) enrolments 0800 252 464
  
  
• SuperGold Card www.supergold.govt.nz

For complaints or concerns about quality of care:

• Health Advocates 0800 555 050
• Health and Disability Commissioner 0800 11 22 33.
• Your local district health board (DHB) (see the green section of the White Pages)