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BrookeATO(Community Support)Community Support
24 Oct 2024

We’ve been listening to your questions about the Medicare Levy Surcharge and we’re here to break it down for you!


Let’s start with what the Medicare Levy Surcharge is.

The Medicare levy surcharge (MLS) is an extra charge on top of the Medicare levy. It’s designed to encourage high income earners to take out private hospital insurance and reduce the pressure on our public health system.


Who needs to pay the MLS?

You might have to pay the MLS if:

·        You earn above the MLS threshold, and

·        You, your spouse or your dependant children don’t have an appropriate level of private patient hospital cover for the full income year.


The amount of MLS you’ll pay depends on your income and your circumstances. We’ll calculate the rate you need to pay when you lodge your tax return.


You can avoid paying the MLS by taking out an appropriate level of private patient hospital cover. But remember it must cover you, your spouse and all your dependants!


We understand you may have situation specific questions, but we hope this answers most of them 😊


Check out our article to understand the difference between the Medicare Levy and the Medicare Levy Surcharge!

1,960 views
4 replies
1,960 views
4 replies

Most helpful response

Most helpful reply

BrookeATO(Community Support)Community Support
19 Dec 2024

Hi @Coffeenow,


Love your username! At this time of year that's exactly how I'm feeling 🤣


It depends if you have private health cover or not.


If you have an appropriate level of private health, you won't have to pay the MLS. If you don't and you earn over the threshold, you do.

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randomando(Initiate)Initiate
4 Nov 2024

I would like to set the scene with what common advice is out there to make this a complete resource.


For many people, a minimum level of private hospital cover will be less expensive than the Medicare Levy Surcharge, making it financially beneficial to take out even if you do not intend to use it.


You may wish to choose to support Medicare anyway by paying the MLS deliberately.

Coffeenow(I'm new)I'm new
11 Dec 2024

Thanks, this is helpful. How does the MLS effect members of the ADF?

Most helpful reply

BrookeATO(Community Support)Community Support
19 Dec 2024

Hi @Coffeenow,


Love your username! At this time of year that's exactly how I'm feeling 🤣


It depends if you have private health cover or not.


If you have an appropriate level of private health, you won't have to pay the MLS. If you don't and you earn over the threshold, you do.

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What is the Medicare Levy Surcharge? | ATO Community