As of 1 November 2009, Items 50124 and 50125 covering joint injections and aspirations have been withdrawn from the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS). The MBS is the list of procedures and doctors’ visits (items), each with a number and fee attached, which are reimbursable by Medicare. For joint injections and aspirations, the Item numbers were 50124 and 50125. Item 50125 is used when more than 25 procedures are needed in a year, which is very unusual. Item 50124 previously had a rebate of $20.55.

With no rebate from Medicare available, consumers are now required to meet these costs. We are concerned that for many people with arthritis who are on disability or other pensions and require these treatments, this may result in financial and emotional distress.

OUR RESPONSE

Arthritis Australia was alerted to this decision in reading an article in the 30 May 2009 edition of The Weekend Australian. Since then, Arthritis Australia, on behalf of the State and Territory Arthritis Foundations, has worked tirelessly with the Australian Rheumatology Association (ARA) to gain a better understanding of this decision, and more importantly, to attempt to have the decision overturned. Unfortunately these efforts have been in vain.

To view Arthritis Australia's response to the scrapping of these Medicare rebates, and a detailed explanation of what this means for people with arthritis, click here.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Should you be concerned by the removal of the rebate for joint injections we encourage individuals to write or email the following people explaining how the removal of these items will personally impact them, both physically and financially.