Get a Medicare card
A Medicare card gives you access to free doctors, cheaper medicine and free hospital care. And it is an important form of ID. To get your Medicare care follow the guide below.
Outcome
To get a Medicare card and understand what it can be used for
Let's start with why this is important:
- a Medicare card will mean that some doctors app and hospital visits (where you do not stay overnight) will be without cost to you
- it is an important form of identification
- ensures that any of your medication is also reduced in cost
Information
KEY WORDS
Bulk bill: this is a doctor or medical service that charges no more than the 'schedule fee' and you will not be out of pocket.
Schedule fees: some doctors and medical services charge more than the schedule fee so you will need to pay the difference e.g. my doctor charges $120 but the schedule fee is $85 so I must pay the difference of $45. Medicare refund: when you are required to pay more than the schedule fee, you will pay it to the doctor/medical service and you will then receive a refund that day into your bank account.
Medicare refund: when you are required to pay more than the schedule fee, you will pay it to the doctor/medical service and you will then receive a refund that day into your bank account.
You can have your own Medicare card if you’re aged 15 or older and enrolled in Medicare.
You can get your own Medicare card online or apply for one using a form. You can also get a new card with other people.
Your card will arrive to your address in about 3 to 4 weeks. You can use a digital copy of your Medicare card straight away. Read more about how to get a digital card.
Keep in mind, you can only be on 2 different Medicare cards at the same time.
SOURCE: Services Australia
What to do next
Apply for a medicare card
- Before you apply you will need identification such as a birth certificate or a passport.
- Download and complete the form on this page: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/ms004
- You will then need to submit the form via email or post.
Get ambulance cover
Medicare doesn't cover the cost of using an ambulance, although some private health insurance schemes do. You can take out separate ambulance cover in the event of an emergency dash to hospital.
IF YOU HAVE A HEALTH CARE CARD THEN YOU AUTOMATICALLY HAVE AMBULANCE COVER
Ambulance cover costs around $40 per year for individuals, and can save you hundreds - or even thousands - of dollars if you ever end up needing an ambulance.
Where do I get a birth certificate if I do not have one?
Your caseworker will be able to help you with this. There is a link to a service from the Births, Deaths and Marriages website below that will help you to apply for a birth certificate at no cost to you.
More Information & Services
If you need help ordering a new card, have a question about Medicare or need help with a claim call 132 011 (available 24/7)
Youth Central - Health Insurance Cover & Medicare
Easy to follow information about Medicare and health insurance
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