The Extended Medicare Safety Net (EMSN) provides a further rebate on top of the Medicare Safety Net for Australian families and singles that incur high out-of-pocket cost for out-of-hospital services. 

The difference between the doctor's charge and the Medicare rebate is the patient’s out-of-pocket cost.

The EMSN provides 80% of any further out-of-pocket expenses for out-of-hospital costs in a calendar year, once the relevant thresholds have been met. For concession cardholders and families eligible for Family Tax Benefit A the threshold is $578.60 (as at 1 January 2011). For all other Medicare cardholders the threshold is $1,157.50 (as at 1 January 2011). For example:

 * The Medicare benefit is paid at 100% of the Scheduled fee because the Medicare Safety Net threshold has been reached.

Eligibility for the threshold lapses on 31 December each year and must be re-established from January 1 each year. Attached for further information is the Guide to Understanding the Medicare Safety Net.

Upper limits apply to the amount of EMSN payable for obstetric services, some pregnancy related ultrasounds, assisted reproductive technology (ART) services, one type of varicose vien surgery (MBS item 32500), one type of cataract surgery (MBS item 42702), and hair transplantation for the treatment of hair loss as the result of disease or injury (MBS item 45560).