How does Australia’s healthcare system work towards achieving better health for all Australians?
Content Point Four
Discuss health expenditure and its impact on current and future populations
Including:
- healthcare versus prevention
- sustainability, access and equity
- Medicare, private health insurance and related Commonwealth-funded programs
Example(s):
Medicare, private health insurance and related Commonwealth-funded programs:
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
My Aged Care.
NESA Glossary of Key Words:
Discuss - Identify issues and provide points for and/or against.
Healthcare vs prevention
How does Australia’s healthcare system work towards achieving better health for all Australians?
Content Point Four
Discuss health expenditure and its impact on current and future populations
Including:
- healthcare versus prevention
- sustainability, access and equity
- Medicare, private health insurance and related Commonwealth-funded programs
Example(s):
Medicare, private health insurance and related Commonwealth-funded programs:
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
My Aged Care.
NESA Glossary of Key Words:
Discuss - Identify issues and provide points for and/or against.
Sustainability, access and equity
How does Australia’s healthcare system work towards achieving better health for all Australians?
Content Point Four
Discuss health expenditure and its impact on current and future populations
Including:
- healthcare versus prevention
- sustainability, access and equity
- Medicare, private health insurance and related Commonwealth-funded programs
Example(s):
Medicare, private health insurance and related Commonwealth-funded programs:
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
My Aged Care.
NESA Glossary of Key Words:
Discuss - Identify issues and provide points for and/or against.
Medicare, private health insurance and related Commonwealth-funded programs
How does Australia’s healthcare system work towards achieving better health for all Australians?
Content Point Four
Discuss health expenditure and its impact on current and future populations
Including:
- healthcare versus prevention
- sustainability, access and equity
- Medicare, private health insurance and related Commonwealth-funded programs
Example(s):
Medicare, private health insurance and related Commonwealth-funded programs:
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
My Aged Care.
NESA Glossary of Key Words:
Discuss - Identify issues and provide points for and/or against.
Medicare, private health insurance and related Commonwealth-funded programs - Private Health Insurance
How does Australia’s healthcare system work towards achieving better health for all Australians?
Content Point Four
Discuss health expenditure and its impact on current and future populations
Including:
- healthcare versus prevention
- sustainability, access and equity
- Medicare, private health insurance and related Commonwealth-funded programs
Example(s):
Medicare, private health insurance and related Commonwealth-funded programs:
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
My Aged Care.
NESA Glossary of Key Words:
Discuss - Identify issues and provide points for and/or against.
Medicare, private health insurance and related Commonwealth-funded programs - Related Commonwealth-Funded Programs
Learning Activities
1. Create a pie graph to display the following Health expenditure data. Create a PMI
(Plus, Minus, Interesting) table on the whiteboard and the class shares their thoughts on the division of health expenditure.
2. ‘The Cost of Prevention vs Treatment’ activity. Divide the class into small groups (4-5 students per group) and assign each group one of the following topics related to healthcare:
- Preventing heart disease (e.g. healthy eating, exercise, and smoking cessation)
- Preventing cancer (e.g. screenings, vaccinations)
- Preventing mental health issues (e.g. early intervention, counseling)
- Preventing injury (e.g. road safety initiatives, road laws)
Each group should:
- Research the cost of treating the assigned condition (e.g. hospital visits, surgeries, long-term treatment).
- Research the cost of prevention (e.g. public health campaigns, screenings, vaccination programs).
- Prepare a comparison of the benefits of preventative health versus the costs of treating the condition.
- Present their findings to the class, explaining why investment in prevention might be more cost-effective in the long run.
3. Healthcare System Allocating Resources Simulation’ activity. The class is divided into small groups acting as government bodies in charge of allocating a national healthcare budget. Each group will have a set amount of funding to allocate across various healthcare needs. Use fake $$. Provide groups with a list of healthcare priorities, including;
- Preventative programs (e.g. vaccination, health education)
- Treatment programs (e.g. emergency services, chronic disease management)
- Programs for vulnerable populations (e.g. Indigenous health, low-income families)
Students must discuss and agree on how to allocate the funds in a way that addresses sustainability, ensures access to healthcare for everyone, and promotes health equity. Encourage groups to think about the long-term costs of each option and the immediate needs of different communities. Once the groups have decided on their allocation, each group presents its budget and justifies their decisions. They should explain how their choices promote sustainability, equity, and access.
Revision Questions
1. Describe the distribution of health expenditure in Australia.
2. Compare the distribution of health expenditure towards prevention versus treatment in Australia.
3. Describe how the government supports Australians through health expenditure.
4. Analyse the impact of Medicare on current and future populations.
5. Discuss how sustainability, access and equity are considered within government health expenditure.
6. Evaluate Commonwealth-funded programs and their impact on current and future populations.
Sample Answers
Sample answers coming soon.
