Your rights under Closing the Gap
Closing the Gap is a government strategy to improve Aboriginal health outcomes. As an Aboriginal person, you have specific entitlements to cheaper medicine, bulk-billed healthcare, and culturally safe services.
Key points
- Closing the Gap scripts give you cheaper PBS medicines ($7.60 for concession card holders)
- ACCHOs like MDAS must bulk-bill Aboriginal patients — no out-of-pocket costs
- You have the right to refuse treatment — but get a second opinion if it is serious
- If you need to travel for specialist care: Patient Travel Assistance Scheme (PTIS) may cover costs
- You can ask for an Aboriginal health worker at any hospital
- Medical records are yours — you can request them