The Australian Government has committed an historic $6.1 billion of investments in the 2023-24 Budget to lay the foundations for a stronger Medicare.
These investments respond to the recommendations of the Strengthening Medicare Taskforce and support better access to more affordable primary health care when and where people need it. This includes the introduction of MyMedicare, a model of voluntary patient registration to support quality continuity of care and new blended funding models for practices and providers.
From 1 July 2023, general practices became eligible to enrol in MyMedicare.
What is MyMedicare?
MyMedicare aims to improve healthcare for individuals with complex, chronic diseases who frequently require hospitalisation though blended funding payments. The main goal of MyMedicare is to strengthen the connection between patients and their primary care teams with better collaboration, leading to improved healthcare outcomes for patients. The MyMedicare system will be voluntary for practices, providers and patients.
From 1 October 2023, all Australians with a Medicare card or Department of Veterans’ Affairs Veteran Card will have the option to register online via their practice or on their own.
As of November 1, 2023, registered patients will have access to MBS level C and D telehealth items. Eligible patients who are registered with a practice can benefit from the triple bulk billing incentive for MBS level C, D, and E telehealth items.
Commencing 1 August 2024, practices and providers who regularly visit registered patients in residential aged care homes can also benefit from the General Practice in Aged Care Incentive.
In addition, from 1 November 2024 registered patients will be eligible for MBS chronic disease management plans only at the practice at which they are registered. This will reduce opportunistic claiming of these items by providers other than the patient’s usual doctor.
Registering for MyMedicare
Practices can register with Services Australia’s Provider Digital Access (PRODA), Health Professional Online Services (HPOS), and Organisation Register systems from 1 July 2023.
Read our article on Getting Ready for MyMedicare. You can also visit the Services Australia Health Professional Education website for information on how to register on the Organisation Register.
For more information – useful resources
The Australian Government’s Health and Aged Care's website now provides information about MyMedicare. This website will be updated regularly so you can stay informed in the lead up to patient registration commencing from October 2023.
How can EMPHN help?
This development marks a transformative moment in Australian primary health care, and we will keep you updated to help you embed and develop the initiative within your practice. Should you require further information in this initial stage, please do not hesitate to contact practicesupport@emphn.org.au.