Joint Media Release
(24k)Senator the Hon Joe Ludwig
Minister for Human Services
Senator for Queensland
Jim Turnour MP
Member for Leichhardt
27 November 2008
Electronic Medicare claiming available in Cairns
Cairns residents can save time and money by taking advantage of electronic Medicare claiming when they next visit their doctor.
“More than 20 practices in the Cairns region now offer on the spot claiming, with more practices looking to sign on in the near future,” Minister for Human Services, Senator Joe Ludwig said.
“The Rudd Government is committed to improving access to health services for all Australians and electronic Medicare claiming is just one of those improvements.”
Electronic Medicare claiming permits a medical practice to send a patient’s claim to Medicare through a secure internet connection, allowing a patient’s rebate to be paid on the spot, directly into their bank account via Electronic Funds Transfer.
Member for Leichhardt, Jim Turnour MP, said this saves people the hassle of visiting a Medicare office, particularly benefiting those living in remote and regional communities.
“A growing number of doctors’ surgeries are offering on-the-spot claiming as people discover its convenience,” he said.
“Patients are encouraged to ask their doctor if they offer electronic Medicare claiming at their next appointment.”
People can help speed up the process of on-the-spot claiming by providing their bank account details to Medicare Australia or, if their doctor offers Easyclaim, they can use their EFTPOS card instead.
“Providing Medicare Australia with bank account details is secure, easy and it only has to be done once,” Senator Ludwig said.
“People’s details are stored with a high level of security at Medicare Australia, just as they are at the Family Assistance Office and the Australian Taxation Office.”
For more information about electronic Medicare claiming and/or to provide Medicare Australia with your bank account details, please visit the Online Services section of www.medicareaustralia.gov.au, call Medicare on 132 011 or visit your local Medicare office.
Media contacts
Minister Ludwig's Media Contact: Sarah Cosson — 0423 823 843
Mr Turnour's Media Contact: Belinda Featherstone — 0427 737 203.
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