Announcements from the Minister for Human Services
December 2008
Travellers need an explanation for their PBS medication (22 December)
Minister for Human Services, Senator Joe Ludwig, today said Australians going overseas this Christmas need to be aware of the implications of travelling with Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme drugs.
“If you are planning a trip overseas, organising your medicine is one of the most important things you can do,” Senator Ludwig said.
“It is illegal to take or send medicine overseas that is subsidised by the Australian Government if it is not for the personal use of the traveller or someone travelling with them.”
For more information, go to the Minister for Human Services Media Release
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Holiday arrangements for Human Services customers (17 December)
Minister for Human Services, Senator Joe Ludwig, today outlined holiday arrangements to assist customers of Centrelink, Medicare Australia, and the Child Support Agency over the Christmas and New Year period.
"The agencies in my portfolio will be ready to deliver a range of payments and services on behalf of the Australian Government during the holiday period," Senator Ludwig said.
"Whether people are expecting benefits, child support or need customer assistance there will be various services available."
For more information, go to the Minister for Human Services Media Release.
Man jailed for three years for Medicare fraud (December 12)
A Melbourne man has been sentenced to nearly three years’ jail and will need to repay almost $63,000 after defrauding the Medicare scheme.
The 49-year-old appeared in the Melbourne County Court on Wednesday, pleading guilty to two charges of fraudulently claiming Medicare benefits.
Minister for Human Services, Senator Joe Ludwig, said this case serves as a warning to those tempted to commit fraud against the Australian Government.
For more information, go to the Minister for Human Services Media Release.
Medicare helping to reduce unintentional incorrect billing (December 11)
Minister for Human Services, Senator Joe Ludwig, today launched a Medicare Australia initiative to give health professionals access to a new valuable information tool.
The web based program allows medical providers to check Medicare's position on items in the Medicare Benefits Schedule or Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
For more information, go to the Minister for Human Services Media Release.
Hotline running as roll-out of same-sex reforms begins
Minister for Human Services, Senator Joe Ludwig, said Centrelink, Medicare Australia and the Child Support Agency are rolling out the changes which will enable same-sex couples and their children to be recognised equally by Commonwealth law.
"We have set up the hotline to make sure people who are members of a same sex couple have the chance to talk to Centrelink about the changes which take effect from next July," Senator Ludwig said.
Senator Ludwig said the historic legislation will remove same-sex discrimination from a wide range of Commonwealth laws.
For more information, go to the Minister for Human Services Media Release.
Minister congratulates employers of people with disability
As part of the International Day of People with Disability, the Minister for Human Services, Senator Joe Ludwig, has congratulated those employers who are giving all Australians the chance to work.
“These committed Australian employers have embraced workplace diversity and are providing job opportunities to people with a disability,” Senator Ludwig said.
The Human Services Agencies including Centrelink, Medicare Australia, Child Support Agency and CRS Australia, are committed to workplace diversity.
For more information, go to the Minister for Human Services Media Release.
Medicare Australia and Centrelink team up in Emerald (December 1)
Minister for Human Services, Senator Joe Ludwig, and Member for Flynn, Chris Trevor MP, today welcomed the start of operations at the new Medicare Australia office in Emerald.
Senator Ludwig said the Australian Government has committed $1.6 million over four years to bring better Medicare services to Emerald residents.
“Residents in Emerald will now be able to access a range of non-cash related services, including submitting a claim, updating their personal details or enrolling in Medicare Australia,” he said.
For more information, go to the Minister for Human Services Media Release.
November 2008
Electronic Medicare claiming available in Cairns (November 27)
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.
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.
For more information, go to the Minister for Human Services Media Release.
Medicare Australia to join Centrelink in Emerald (November 14)
Residents in Emerald and the surrounding region will soon have access to a range of services from Medicare Australia.
Minister for Human Services, Senator Joe Ludwig, said Medicare Australia will co-locate with the existing Centrelink office at Wide Bay Capricorn House, 50 Borilla Street, Emerald.
For more information, go to the Minister for Human Services Media Release.
Human Services staff join the Movember challenge (November 7)
Minister for Human Services, Senator Joe Ludwig, today recognised the efforts of Human Services staff taking part in the 2008 Movember challenge.
Staff from the Department of Human Services which incorporates the Child Support Agency and Human Services agencies including Centrelink, Medicare Australia, Australian Hearing and the HSA Group have thrown away their razors to help raise money and awareness of men’s health issues.
For more information, go to the Minister for Human Services Media Release.
October 2008
Resignation of Medicare Australia CEO (October 15)
The CEO of Medicare Australia, Catherine Argall PSM, has today announced her decision to retire.
"I would like to thank Catherine on behalf of the Government and the 21 million Australians who depend on Medicare Australia, for her contribution," said Minister for Human Services, Senator Joe Ludwig.
"In a public service career spanning 38 years, Catherine has led a number of organisations, often in challenging circumstances."
For more information, go to the Minister for Human Services media release.
Medicare Australia extends contract with IBM (October 2)
The Minister for Human Services, Senator Joe Ludwig, announced today Medicare Australia has extended its contract with IBM Australia for the provision of IT infrastructure services
The extension to 31 March 2010 will cost $70.3 million.
“The extension is in keeping with the Government’s plans to take a proactive and universal approach to the ICT requirements of the Human Services Portfolio,” Senator Ludwig said.
For more information, go to the Minister for Human Services media release.
September 2008
Online Services offer a helping hand during tax time (12 September)
With the deadline for lodging tax returns fast approaching, Australians are reminded that they can access their Medicare benefit tax statement on the internet, via Medicare Australia’s Online Services.
Minister for Human Services, Senator Joe Ludwig said people who are registered with Medicare Australia’s Online Services can access their Medicare benefit tax statement immediately.
For more information, go to the Minister for Human Services media release.
Medicare compliance program saves $250 million (4 September)
Medicare Australia’s compliance activities saved the Australian taxpayer at least $250 million last financial year, according to figures released today by the Minister for Human Services, Senator Joe Ludwig.
Senator Ludwig has also released Medicare Australia’s latest plan for more savings this financial year by helping doctors, other health providers and the public claim correctly.
Medicare Australia’s National Compliance Program 2008-09 is based on greater education to encourage a culture of compliance.
For more information, go to the Minister for Human Services media release.
July 2008
Doctor convicted for illegal PBS prescribing (3 July)
The Minister for Human Services, Senator Joe Ludwig, has praised Medicare’s anti-fraud operations after the conviction of a doctor in the Brisbane District Court today.
The 40-year-old doctor received a 12-month suspended sentence for illegally prescribing drugs under the Australian Government’s Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
“The doctor will also have to repay the money her activities cost the Australian taxpayer,” Senator Ludwig said.
For more information, go to the Minister for Human Services Media Release
June 2008
Pharmacist jailed for PBS fraud (12 June)
A Queensland pharmacist has been sentenced to four and a half years in jail for deliberately defrauding the Australian Government’s Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), after appearing in the Brisbane District Court today.
The pharmacist, GeoffreyNoelLake, 60, owner of Clermont Day And Night Pharmacy in central Queensland, pleaded guilty to fraudulently obtaining $400,000 worth of PBS benefits to which he was not entitled.
The pharmacist received two sentences of four and half years imprisonment, to be served concurrently, with a non parole period of 12 months. He has also agreed to repay the sum of $400,000 as well as an additional cost of $92,000 associated with property seized.
For more information, go to the Minister for Human Services Media Release
May 2008
Minister advises doctors to convert to online claiming—now [29 May]
Doctors and health professionals using the outdated Medclaims system have been reminded that time is fast running out for them to switch to a new electronic way of processing Medicare claims.
Minister for Human Services, Senator Joe Ludwig, yesterday met with peak medical bodies, asking for continued help with transitioning their members to a new claiming system.
For more information, go to the Minister for Human Services Media Release.
Customers to benefit from smarter use of information and communication technology (29 May)
The Minister for Human Services, Senator Joe Ludwig, said today the Human Services Portfolio will be taking a whole-of-government approach to the examination of information and communication technology (ICT) requirements and sourcing options.
“The Australian Government remains committed to finding ways to maximise customer convenience and improve service options, while also delivering savings to the Government,” Senator Ludwig said.
For more information, go to the Minister for Human Services Media Release
Ensuring the Integrity of Medicare: Increased MBS Compliance Audits [13 May]
The Commonwealth Government is moving to further protect the integrity of Medicare by boosting the Medicare compliance program.
The Government is increasing audits on Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) services to ensure that doctors are fulfilling the requirements of relevant MBS item descriptors.
Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon said, “This will save taxpayers money, and reduce the incidence of incorrect billing of Medicare services.”
For more information, go to the Minister for Human Services Media Release
Easier electronic claiming for Medicare
The Australian Government will assist people to claim Medicare benefits quickly and easily by investing $8.6 million over four years towards streamlining electronic claiming processes.
This investment will benefit medical providers and their patients by making electronic Medicare claiming easier and more efficient, removing the need for patients to visit a Medicare office in person to claim their benefits.
Minister for Human Services, Senator Joe Ludwig said “In an ideal world, medical practice staff wouldn’t have to enter payment details in their practice management software and then separately enter them again into the EFTPOS device. That would be easier for them and more convenient for patients.”
For more information, go to the Minister for Human Services Media Release
Medicare claims records now available online
For the first time ever, Australians can now enjoy the simplicity, convenience and security of accessing their Medicare claims history on the Medicare Australia website.
The Medicare Claims History Online service is a joint initiative of Medicare Australia and the Department of Health and Ageing and provides a simple and convenient way for people to check their Medicare claims.
“The online service through Medicare Australia allows people to view, save and print a record of their Medicare claims history statement for the past 12 months from the date of request,” Senator Ludwig said.
For more information, go to the Minister for Human Services Media Release
March 2008
Minister sends a timely reminder to call the Fraud Tip-Off Line [1 March]
Minister for Human Services, Senator Joe Ludwig, is taking the opportunity during the Australian Consumer Taskforce’s Fraud Fortnight (24 February – 8 March) to alert Australians about a potential scam involving people’s Medicare card details.
“Medicare Australia has received a number of complaints recently from people who have been contacted by phone and asked to confirm their Medicare details.”
For more information, go to the Minister for Human Services Media Release.
January 2008
Getting a copy of your child’s immunisation history – as easy as ABC [29 January]
As the new school year approaches the Minister for Human Services, Senator Joe Ludwig, is encouraging parents to keep track of their children’s immunisation history on the internet, through a free service offered by Medicare Australia.
The Australian Childhood Immunisation Register records details of vaccinations given to children who live in Australia and are under the age of seven.
For more information, go to the Minister for Human Services Media Release
A helping hand for families - One million people access Family Assistance at Medicare offices [29 January]
Human Services Minister, Senator Joe Ludwig today announced that more than one million people have now accessed Family Assistance services through Medicare Australia’s network of offices.
Senator Ludwig marked this milestone at the official launch of the recently relocated Ashmore Medicare office in Queensland. “Given that the roll out of extended Family Assistance services in Medicare offices started in July 2005, this is a fantastic achievement,” he said.
For more information, go to the Minister for Human Services Media Release
Federal - State collaboration advances electronic health agenda [12 January]
Joint Media Release from The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing
Senator the Hon Joe Ludwig, Minister for Human Services
Minister for Human Services, Senator Joe Ludwig and Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon have welcomed the signing of a contract between Medicare Australia and the National E-Health Transition Authority (NEHTA) for the development of a Unique Healthcare Identifier (UHI) service.
The UHI service will accurately and uniquely identify people who receive healthcare in Australia and the people who provide healthcare, as well as the places where it is provided.
For more information, go to the Minister for Human Services Media Release
Previous announcements
2007 announcements
- ANZ signs on to electronic Medicare claiming [21 December]
- Giving the greatest gift — sign on to save lives at Medicare Australia [19 December]
- Be PBS aware before you take to the air this Christmas [18 December]
Last updated: 22 December, 2008