Medicare
Medicare
Medicare provides access to a range of medical services, lower cost prescriptions and free care as a public patient in a public hospital. All eligible Australian residents and certain categories of visitors to Australia can enrol in Medicare and access these services.
More info about Medicare is here https://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/subjects/medicare-services
Claims
You can claim a rebate for most of your appointments and procedures at BMC. If you register your bank account details with Medicare your benefits can be paid directly into your nominated bank account, often before you leave the building!
Register your bank account details:
• using your Medicare online account through myGov
• through the Express Plus Medicare app
• by completing a bank account details collection form
• by calling the Medicare general enquiries line on 132 011 (24 hours a day)
• in person at a service centre
To register, you need to:
• have your Medicare card and bank account details – BSB, account number and account name – with you when you register
• let Medicare know if your details change
Chronic Disease Management Rules
If you have a disease or condition that will be present for more than 6 months, or that is terminal, you may be eligible for a Chronic Disease Plan (GP Management Plan). Patients on plans can have a regular checkup every 3-6 months and BMC bulk-bills for these because Medicare pays you better rebates for staying well-organised.
Click here for more information on Chronic Disease Management Plans
If you need treatment from 2 or more health professionals (only one consultant specialist counts, though) you may be eligible for a Team Care Arrangement. This offers better rebates when your care is coordinated and also involves a regular checkup every 3-6 months. If you are on a Team Care Arrangement then Medicare rebates for up to 5 allied health visits per year are available to you. Your doctor or nurse will authorise these visits at your regular checkups.