Reminder
This circular is an update to PHI circular 16/19 and is a reminder for eligible hospitals to apply under the transitional arrangements.
On 1 January 2019, the Department of Health commenced the administration of the second-tier default benefits.
There are transitional arrangements to extend the second-tier default benefit eligibility expiry dates of some hospitals, without the need to go through a full application process. These come under Part 2A Rule 7E of the Private Health Insurance (Health Insurance Business) Rules 2018.
A hospital will get an extension of its second-tier default benefit eligibility expiry date if:
- it has second-tier default benefits in place on 1 January 2019
- its second-tier expiry date is less than 12 months before its current hospital accreditation expiry date.
Table 1: Transition arrangements example
Hospital
Status at 1/1/2019
Current Second-tier expiry date
Current Accreditation expiry date
Action required
Hospital 1
Second-tier eligible
15/12/2019
30/9/2020 (less than 12 months’ gap)
This hospital falls under transitional arrangements. It needs to contact the department to ask for an extension of its second-tier eligibility. This will be granted until 29 November 2020.
Hospital 2
Second-tier eligible
15/12/2019
30/3/2021 (more than 12 months’ gap)
This hospital does not fall under the transitional arrangements. It will need to re-apply for second-tier eligibility prior to 15 December 2019, when it can provide evidence of its re-accreditation.
To review your current second-tier benefit expiry date, see the declared hospital list with second-tier and neo natal.
If you believe your facility/hospital qualifies for an extension to its second-tier default benefits eligibility expiry date, please provide a current copy of your hospital accreditation to phisecondtier@health.gov.au You do not need to complete a full application or renewal form to access these transitional arrangements. There is no application fee for this process.
Once we confirm that your expiry date can be extended, we will advise you in writing via email and publish the new expiry date on the above website. Further information and resources are available at the second-tier default benefits page.