Media Release
Medicare claims records now available online
5 May 2008
For the first time ever, Australians can now enjoy the simplicity, convenience and security of accessing their Medicare claims history on the Medicare Australia website.
The Medicare Claims History Online service is a joint initiative of Medicare Australia and the Department of Health and Ageing and provides a simple and convenient way for people to check their Medicare claims.
The Minister for Human Services, Senator Joe Ludwig said the availability of the new Medicare claims summary online was a significant step forward in the implementation of eHealth services to assist the Australian public.
“The online service through Medicare Australia allows people to view, save and print a record of their Medicare claims history statement for the past 12 months from the date of request,” Senator Ludwig said.
The Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, agreed that Australians will have convenient access to a personalised medical history summary.
“This service will benefit those who have to see their doctors or specialists a lot during the year, to easily keep track of their claiming for medical visits and procedures rather than going through all their paper work”, Minster Roxon said.
“About 400,000 Australians are already doing business with Medicare Australia over the internet and this online service is sure to see that number rise,” Senator Ludwig said.
Market research shows that Australians have been asking for some time for this. It includes a lay-person’s guide to item descriptions so that patients can easily understand the services they have received.
People are able, via secure online access, to view, save or print a record of their Medicare claims history statement for the 12 months preceding the date of request, as well as their Medicare tax statements.
People who wish to use the service need to register for online services at www.medicareaustralia.gov.au/online or at a Medicare office. They will need to provide their Medicare card number, individual reference number (the number that identifies the order of those listed on the Medicare card) and date of birth.
Medicare Australia’s online services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Background
Other facilities available as part of Medicare Australia's Online Services include the ability to:
- view your current Medicare Safety Net balance
- view your child's immunisation history statement
- view your organ donor registration details
- view your Medicare tax statement
- request a replacement or duplicate Medicare card
- access other health related information
Media Contact for Minister for Human Services, Senator Joe Ludwig: Joe Scavo 0413 800 757
Media Contact for Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon: Sean Kelly 0417 108 362