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Page updated 26 June, 2009 ADF Family Health
ADF Family Health Trial Gets Underway
The Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, the Hon. Warren Snowdon MP, officially launched the Australian Defence Force (ADF) Family Health Trial in Cairns on the 19th May 2009. Mr Snowdon said that under the trial approximately 2,700 Defence dependants in Cairns (QLD), Singleton (NSW), Katherine (NT), Sale (VIC) and the Pilbara region in WA can access free basic health care. “Looking after Defence families is something this Government takes seriously and this initiative will provide practical support to the dependants of ADF personnel,” Mr Snowdon said. “We are testing delivery models to ensure that ADF dependants will not only be able to access free basic medical care, but they have choice and flexibility about who they consult with. To do this, it has been necessary to implement different models of medical care in different trial areas – click here to view the participating medical practitioners in your location, or the provision for accessing free medical care.
Navy Health Ltd has been engaged by Defence to provide the ADF Family Health Card, as well as customer service and claims processing. Navy Health Ltd come to Defence with over 50 years experience in the health industry. The trial will be expanded to include Townsville (QLD), Darwin (NT) and Puckapunyal (VIC) in October 2009, allowing approximately 13,300 ADF dependants to be eligible to access the benefits associated with this trial. Registrations are being accepted for both Stage 1 and Stage 2 locations. All ADF members wishing to register their dependants for the trial will be expected to update their PMKeyS Dependant Details using the AD160 form prior to submitting their registration form. This will reduce delays in the processing of registrations. All ADF members considering registering dependants for the trial should be aware that the benefits associated with this trial will be considered a fringe benefit under the Fringe Benefits Tax Assessment Act 1986. For more information, click here.
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The Government is committed to recognising the service and sacrifices of ADF personnel and the important and valuable role their families play in the achievement of the Defence mission. 
The trial also has provision for dependants to claim up to $300 each for non-cosmetic dental services each calendar year. Dependants registered for the trial will be issued with an ADF Family Health card which will enable them to submit claims electronically at most dentists anywhere in Australia, up to the capped amount.