News
Australians benefit from freeze to maximum cost of PBS medicines
The Australian Government has launched an advertising campaign to raise awareness about a freeze on the maximum patient cost of PBS medicines, a key measure to help ease the cost of medicines.
The new Understanding Medicare: Provider Handbook is here
The handbook is a new resource designed to help healthcare professionals, medical practice staff or anyone involved in Medicare billing and claiming, to navigate the Medicare system.
Minister for Health and Aged Care, speech – 4 November 2024
Read Minister Butler's speech at the Stronger Medicare Awards.
New reports to help strengthen Medicare
The findings of 3 strengthening Medicare reviews are now available. The reviews looked at some of the structures and systems that underpin Medicare, general practice and primary care.
Have your say about MBS Online
We invite MBS Online users to take part in a survey on the user experience of the website.
Prime Minister announces the Stronger Medicare Awards
Recognising Medicare Champions – people, teams and practices in primary care that go above and beyond to benefit patients.
Prime Minister launches pop-up display celebrating 40 years of Medicare
On 6 February, a special '40 years of Medicare' pop-up display was launched at Australian Parliament House in Canberra.
The Medical Costs Finder awareness campaign is now live
The website helps Australians understand typical costs when planning for private health procedures.
Celebrating 40 years of Medicare
In 2024, Australia is celebrating 40 years of Medicare, the backbone of Australia’s world-class health system.
Medical Costs Finder – helping Australians plan for private health costs
The Medical Costs Finder website helps Australians understand typical costs when planning for private health procedures.
MyMedicare patient registration now open
Australians can now register with their preferred general practice in MyMedicare. Learn about the new voluntary patient registration system, how to register, and what it means for you.
Victorian woman found guilty of defrauding Medicare
A Victorian medical receptionist has been sentenced today to 2 years imprisonment, with a minimum term of 12 months by the Melbourne County Court after pleading guilty to charging more than $181,000 in fraudulent Medicare payments.
Ashgrove pharmacist found guilty for more than $1.9m in Medicare fraud
A pharmacist has been convicted and sentenced to five years imprisonment today, after pleading guilty to fraudulently claiming more than $1.9 million in payments under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
Jail time for Pharmacist and Practice Manager
A Pharmacist and Practice Manager from across Australia were sentenced last week after fraudulently claiming more than $420,000 in payments under the Medicare Benefits Scheme (MBS) and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
Release of the Strengthening Medicare Taskforce Report
The Strengthening Medicare Taskforce Report is now available. It outlines a vision for Australia’s primary care system of the future.
Medical receptionist sentenced to jail for more than $253k of Medicare fraud
A medical receptionist from south-eastern Queensland has been convicted after fraudulently claiming more than $253,000 in Medicare payments.
Medibank Private and AHM data breach
Find out what your need to do if your Medicare number, or Medicare provider number has been exposed.
Cairns medical receptionist sentenced to jail for $178k Medicare fraud
A Cairns woman has been convicted after pleading guilty to fraudulently claiming more than $178,000 in Medicare payments.
First meeting of the Strengthening Medicare Taskforce
The Strengthening Medicare Taskforce, chaired by the Minister for Health and Aged Care, the Hon Mark Butler MP, met in Sydney on 29 July 2022 for the first time. A communique outlining discussions has been released.
Final report of the ECG Review Committee and Government response
We have published the final report of Electrocardiogram (ECG) Review Committee. The committee reviewed Medicare Schedule Benefits (MBS) plain ECG items, which were introduced on 1 August 2020 following recommendations from the MBS Review Taskforce.
Health Funding Facts update
The Australian Government announced a record $503 billion investment in our universal health system in the 2021–22 Budget. We’ve updated our Health Funding Facts tool to use the latest figures. Find out more about our key investment areas.
Permanent telehealth for all Australians
Temporary telehealth services introduced as part of COVID-19 measures will become a permanent service in our health system.
Medicare Benefits Schedule continuous review to improve patient care
Medicare items and services will be reviewed by experts on an ongoing basis to ensure the Medicare Schedule remains contemporary and provides universal access to the best technologies and services under new arrangements introduced by the Australian Government.
Chief Executive Medicare proceedings in the Federal Court against Specialist Diagnostic Services Pty Ltd
On 9 February 2021, the Chief Executive Medicare instituted civil proceedings in the Federal Court of Australia against Specialist Diagnostic Services Pty Ltd (SDS) on behalf of the Commonwealth of Australia.
Medicare Benefits Schedule Electrocardiogram Review Committee – appointment of Committee Members
The Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) Review Committee was established in March 2021 to review electrocardiogram (ECG) items introduced on 1 August 2020, following recommendations from the MBS Review Taskforce.
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