The 10-year moratorium requires overseas-trained doctors and foreign graduates of accredited medical schools in Australia to work in designated priority areas to access Medicare rebates. This period can be reduced through scaling credits earned by working in more remote locations and meeting Medicare billing thresholds.
Participants in the 5-year Overseas Trained Doctor Scheme are not eligible for scaling credits, as the scheme already provides moratorium credits.
Eligible scaling locations are determined based on the Australian Statistical Geographical Classification Remoteness Area system. The Health Workforce Locator can be used to check the classification of specific locations. Here’s a table showing the scaling credits and potential reductions in the moratorium period for different remoteness areas:
| Classification | Category | Monthly Scaling Benefit | Reduced Moratorium Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| RA 1 | Major cities | Nil | Not reduced |
| RA 2 | Inner regional | 3.37 days | 9 years |
| RA 3 | Outer regional | 13 days | 7 years |
| RA 4 | Remote | 20.3 days | 6 years |
| RA 5 | Very remote | 30.4 days | 5 years |
Doctors can check their current scaling credits, eligibility for class exemption from 19AB, and the end date of their moratorium through their Health Professional Online Services account.
Some doctors need to live in major areas such as Melbourne because their children attend certain schools or for other family or health-related reasons. At the same time, they want their moratorium period reduced. There are perfectly legal and acceptable ways to achieve a reduced moratorium while staying and working in Melbourne without requiring any major changes in lifestyle or moving the family.
To find out more, please get in touch with our team for detailed guidance and assistance.