Information Sheet
On this page
- Who is entitled to subsidised medicines?
- So what do I need to do?
- Concession card holders
- Veterans covered by the RPBS
- Collecting medicines for other people
- What if I don't have my number with me?
- What if I don't have a Medicare card?
- What if I don't want to provide my Medicare number?
- How can I be certain my Medicare number will not be used inappropriately?
- More information
Please provide your Medicare card or number when you lodge a prescription
Who is entitled to subsidised medicines?
- Australian residents.
- People from countries with a reciprocal health care agreement (Italy, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, Finland, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom).
So what do I need to do?
Provide the pharmacist with your Medicare card details each time you get a prescription filled.
For your convenience, you can ask your pharmacist to keep your Medicare number on record for use on future PBS prescriptions. Remember, you will need to advise your pharmacist when you receive a new Medicare card as the number changes when your card is re-issued. The pharmacist will need to know all eleven numbers, including the number next to your name (eg 2222 44444 2 2).
Concession card holders
(eg Australian Government Seniors Health Card, Pensioner Concession Card or Health Care Card)
Provide the pharmacist with your Medicare card details and your concession card each time you have a prescription filled.
Veterans covered by the RPBS
If you are a Gold Card holder, you need only provide your Gold Card file number.
If you are a White Card holder, provide your White Card file number for RPBS and your Medicare card details for PBS prescriptions.
Collecting medicines for other people
You can still collect medicines for other people — just make sure that their Medicare details or veterans' file details are provided with the prescription. If relevant, you will also need to provide their concession card number.
What if I don't have my number with me?
Talk to your pharmacist about the ways to help make sure you can still obtain subsidised medicines.
What if I don't have a Medicare card?
Australian residents are entitled to subsidised medicines. There are measures in place to ensure eligible people are not disadvantaged. If you're eligible but you don't have a card, ask the pharmacist about your options.
What if I don't want to provide my Medicare number?
If you do not provide your Medicare number to the pharmacist you may be charged the full price for the medicine. You may obtain a refund at a Medicare office, or by completing a claim form (available by calling 132 290* or available to download on Medicare Australia's website) and posting it to the PBS Processing Centre, GPO Box 9826, in your capital city. You will need to provide a refund receipt (not a cash receipt) from the pharmacist. If claiming in person, also provide your Medicare card, or concession card (if applicable). If posting your claim, quote your Medicare or DVA and concession card number (if applicable) on the claim form. You should be aware that the refund you receive may not cover the full cost of the medicine.
Veterans who do not provide their veterans' file number may not receive their medicines at the subsidised price. However, a refund may be claimed from DVA state offices or by calling 133 254*. Discuss your options with the pharmacist.
*local call rates, normal mobile and public telephone charges apply.
How can I be certain my Medicare number will not be used inappropriately?
The privacy and secure storage of your number is protected by law.
More information
Ask your pharmacist or enquire at any Medicare office.
1800 020 613
Free call number for information about the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), including eligibility for subsidised medicines.
13 20 11†
To check your Medicare number, change your address details, report lost or stolen cards, request a Medicare enrolment form, or obtain a replacement card.
13 14 50†
Translating and Interpreting Service.
1800 552 152
Telephone Typewriter (TTY) free call.
Note: Your Medicare number and details advised by Centrelink and by the Australian Government Department of Veterans' Affairs will be used to assess your entitlement to benefits under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) and to determine payments due to pharmacists. In addition, with your consent, the pharmacist or doctor may store your Medicare number for use on future prescriptions. The collection of this information is authorised by the National Health Act 1953 and is usually disclosed to the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.
†local call rates. Normal mobile and public telephone charges apply.
Last updated: 17 September, 2008