After years of debate in Australia, means-testing legislation for the private health insurance rebate passed on February 15, 2012. Previously, all Australians, regardless of their income, were eligible to receive a government subsidy of at least 30 percent of their private health insurance premiums. With this legislation, the 30 percent rebates will begin to taper off once incomes reach a certain level. Individuals earning more than AUS $129,000 and families with incomes greater than AUS $258,000 will lose the rebate altogether.
Source:
World News Australia, Private health deal done, debate continues, February 14, 2012.