Other health services
The New Zealand health system also offers help for people on low incomes or with high health needs, people with mental issues and the elderly who require care.
Community Services Card
People on low incomes may be eligible for a Community Services Card, which entitles them to higher government subsidies on visits to their family doctor and the purchase of prescription items. The Community Services Card can also be used to access other health services from public hospitals, including travel and accommodation assistance.
High Use Health Card
People who visit their family doctor 12 times or more in a 12 month period for an ongoing illness will qualify for a High Use Health Card that means they get higher subsidies on their General Practitioner visits and on prescriptions.
Pharmaceutical Subsidy Card
If you or your family need to pay for a lot of prescriptions, you may be eligible for a Pharmaceutical Subsidy Card. You can get this card from your local chemist/ pharmacy.
To find out more about the Community Services Card, call 0800 999 999. For more information about the High Use Health Card, talk to your doctor.
Mental health
Generally, mental health care is provided by public hospitals, but some community-based services are also available. Free counselling is available at most secondary schools and tertiary education institutions. There are also private counselling services but these are generally not subsidised, so you will need to pay the full costs.
Services for older people
People aged 65 or over who need help at home or who may need to move into a rest home or hospital may qualify for help in the form of home support, caregiver services or 24 hour residential care. The level of government subsidy varies according to individual circumstances. To find out more, contact your District Health Board, listed under ‘Hospitals & other health service providers’ in the front of the White Pages and ask about a Needs Assessment Service Co-ordination (NASC) assessment.
Further information
www.hdc.org.nz – the Health and Disability Commissioner is an independent agency dealing with patient rights.
www.healthed.govt.nz offers easy access to popular brochures on health matters.
www.health.govt.nz – the Ministry of Health website offers information about all areas of the public health system. It includes links to District Health Board websites where you can find out more the services available in your area.
www.workandincome.govt.nz – the Work and Income site offers information about all benefits and allowances, including the Residential Care Subsidy and the Disability Allowance.
