What is MyMedicare?
MyMedicare is a new voluntary patient registration (VPR) system that offers extra Medicare benefits. These changes will happen gradually, starting with VPR. From October 1, 2023, you can register with your regular general practice if you have a Medicare or DVA card. This registration will grant you additional Medicare benefits as more changes roll out.
Who can register for MyMedicare and VPR?
To register with a practice, you must have visited that practice for two face-to-face visits in the last 24 months and have a Medicare or DVA card.
What are the benefits of MyMedicare?
MyMedicare and VPR aim to strengthen your relationship with your preferred doctor and your practice. While we're still gathering details, these reforms align with our practice values and promise positive changes in our health system.
Immediate changes and how they benefit you
- Eligible patients can register for MyMedicare online or at the practice. We'll assist you in the registration process.
- From November 1, 2023, registered patients can access new Medicare rebates for longer phone and video consultations.
- Additional changes to aged care benefits and chronic disease management are planned for 2024, with more benefits to follow.
What you need to know
- Registration is voluntary and can be updated if your circumstances change.
- We remain committed to providing high-quality care. There won't be changes to how you access care or our private billing policy.
- Neither the practice nor the practitioners receive payment for your registration.
- Patients can register at only one practice.
- Register with your preferred practitioner at the practice where you plan to continue receiving care.
- You can choose not to register, but you may miss out on extra Medicare benefits.
- Registration options include online or in-person at the practice.
- We'll share registration information and links on our website and may send digital invitations via MyMedicare in MyGov.
- To ensure GPs can provide timely care, we'll prioritise existing regular patients for VPR.
We encourage you to embrace this reform and register. We'll keep you informed as more details emerge on how these changes affect you.
Thank you for your trust and ongoing support.
