Thousands of WA self-funded retirees can now get help with health costs and cost-of-living under new eligibility rules for the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC). 

The new thresholds raised as a sweetener by the Coalition, matched by Labor in the Federal Election have now passed through parliament. 

Chief Advocate Ian Henschke said the card provides self-funded retirees with access to cheaper health care and cheaper prescriptions under the PBS but many don’t realise the card also delivers state-based concessions. 

“Retirees living in WA are big winners from the expansion of eligibility receiving $1,668 in state and local government concessions,” Mr Henschke said.  

“While CSHC holders in Queensland, Victoria and Tasmania get little or no local concessions, those in SA, NSW, and the NT get around $500. But Western Australians are the big winners with $1,668 in concessions, including energy, council rates, water, and sewerage. 

“State and territory concessions are a mishmash. It’s hard to understand who’s eligible and for what. 

“But the National Seniors Australia Concessions Calculator lets all seniors see what they’re entitled to. At a time of runaway inflation and cost of living you need to know what you can get and apply for it. 

“We strongly encourage all retirees to check out what they’re eligible for by using our simple online concessions calculator.” 

To be eligible for the CSHC a retiree must be of pension age and meet an income test. Under the eligibility changes, income test limits have increased to $90,000 for singles and $144,000 for couples.

An estimated 5,000 WA retirees could be eligible for the card.