Subisidising healthcare for the elderly :(

[LineLefty]

Thats right, I calculated my tax return on 'the back of the envelope' and was expecting approximately $1400 back. Thats a nice little nest egg for perhaps a new bandsaw or jointer/thicknesser, plus few LV goodies.

But no, when I actually did my tax, I got slugged with the bloody medicare levy. $890!
No, I dont have private health insurance, but that doesnt make me a burden on the medicare budget and I shouldnt have to bloody subisidise the baby boomers and elderley!!

Perhaps they should include a question such as "how many times did you visit the doctors?".

Apologies if this offends. It's just a lighthearted whinge OK? THe whole budget of $400 is now going to help pay for a new washing machine. Not a cent left over for some toys

[silentC]

You're not 'government bashing' are you, Adam?

You should know that the Medicare levy has nothing whatsoever to do with Medicare. It's just another source of government funds.

[goat]

psssst adam i'll let u in on a little secret of mine last year i got sick of the missus thinkin of new ways of spending my tax check so unbeknowns to her i started paying $20 a week extra tax so tomorrow i'll have $1040 "PLAY DOLLARS" that she don't know about.just don't tell the old bag ok! shhhhhhhhhhhhh here she comes

[LineLefty]

You've got a sharp memory SilentC, I am government bashing, but I'm justified in doing so.

Goat, shes got such a stranglehold on the familiy fiduciaries, She would certainly notice a 14inch bandsaw sitting in the shed. I dont think I could use the old 'that? I've had it for ages' trick.

[Gingermick]

Just think of it as saving money to pay for the operation to re-attach your fingers after you cut them off with the band saw you get as a retirement present.

And if you want to avoid the medicare levy, just have a few more children.

[Termite]

Yes, thats right, climb on the latest bandwagon of blaming everything on the Babyboomers. Well young fellow, it was the Babyboomers that helped make the country you have today, and we did it without the dole and a lot of other benefits that you enjoy today.
One of the main reasons we get slugged these days is that a lot of, call them what you will, decide they just dont want to work, or the female counterpart decides to make a career out of having kids by any available male.
So I'll end now before I get real wound up about my generation being the cause of all our countrys ills, and by the way I have a right to get old. Strange as it may seem to the younger generation, they will get old too. :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:
Nothing personal intended.

[Grunt]

Adam,

One day you will be old* and need medicare. The young folk of the day will be complaining that the old folk are a burden on society.

Getting old creeps up on you. Just the other day, I was 27 and now I'm 44. In 14 1/2 years I'll be Termites age. My how time flies when your having fun.


* that is if Termite doesn't get to you first

[echnidna]

Adam,

One day you will be old* and need medicare. The young folk of the day will be complaining that the old folk are a burden on society.

Getting old creeps up on you. Just the other day, I was 27 and now I'm 44. In 14 1/2 years I'll be Termites age. My how time flies when your having fun.


* that is if Termite doesn't get to you first

To add to Grunts points.
But for the grace of God anyone can have an accident etc and become permanently disabled thus needing medicare and welfare support

[adrian]

Not this again

The user pays principle in the medical area is great. A friend of mine went to what we would call outpatients, at a Brooklyn (US) hospital and got a bill for $10,000. That was for a day visit.
Both of my granddaughtes were born in the same hospital and I wasn't game to ask what that cost.
Lefty, you're going to be old some day soon and when you, or a member of your family, have to be rushed off to hospital you're going to be glad that you contributed.

PS. I pay for full private cover and pay the levy and the only time I've ever complained was when I paid $3600 for the levy and surcharge.
You got of light paying only $890. I pay double that for private and the levy.

[adrian]

Adam,

One day you will be old* and need medicare. The young folk of the day will be complaining that the old folk are a burden on society.

Getting old creeps up on you. Just the other day, I was 27 and now I'm 44. In 14 1/2 years I'll be Termites age. My how time flies when your having fun.


* that is if Termite doesn't get to you first

I was 34 yesterday and today I'm 53. It's bloody scarey.

[craigb]

I was 34 yesterday and today I'm 53. It's bloody scarey.

I think that "old timers disease" is kicking in early.

Your profile says you are only 52 :eek:

[Termite]

I was 34 yesterday and today I'm 53. It's bloody scarey.

I know the feeling. I moved back from the Phillipines yesterday, so how come I'm 25 years older today?

[LineLefty]

Yeah Ok I get your points about the levy, user pays would just never work, it's just that I was really looking forward to that bandsaw....................

Termite, we should stop blaming all societal ills on dole bludgers and shazza single mums with their 5 kids. As prevelant as they are in some parts, they're a pretty small minority.

The "problem" is all you baby boomers outbidding us young'uns in the real estate market. Here we are trying to buy our 1st home blah blah blah and there you all are gazumping us for your bloody investment properties. Yes ,thats the biggest problem we have here in 'Straya.

In all seriousness though, I'd esitmate that 90% of quality vintage handtools are owned by baby boomers, which means when I get to that age.......................there'll be a hell of a lot of deceased estate auctions and not much demand for galootish tools.

[Tikki]

The "me generation"! (no offence meant)

You're lucky you can afford the luxury of a washing machine Adam. Many of the elderly you are subsidizing only had washboards!

[Termite]

In all seriousness though, I'd esitmate that 90% of quality vintage handtools are owned by baby boomers, which means when I get to that age.......................there'll be a hell of a lot of deceased estate auctions and not much demand for galootish tools.

See, we do have our good points.
Just by the way, get hold of the figures for the dole payments to under 21 year olds and the payments to single mums under 21. You will spew when you see how much it is.