The federal government has postponed controversial changes to Medicare claiming that would have required patients to physically or electronically sign for every consultation, following widespread concern that the new rules would create barriers for vulnerable Australians seeking bulk-billed healthcare.
New Requirements Paused for 12 Months
The changes, originally set to take effect next week, would have removed the option for patients to verbally agree to a Medicare claim. Instead, a physical or electronic signature would have been mandatory for every consultation and every claim. After backlash from doctors and aged care providers, the government introduced a 12-month transition period, delaying the new requirements while leaving the underlying legislation unchanged.
Barriers for Vulnerable Patients
Doctors and aged care advocates warned that the signature requirement would create significant obstacles for patients unable to sign for themselves, such as those with dementia or cognitive impairments. Although provisions allow a representative to sign on their behalf, critics argued that this is impractical in many settings. Aged care paralegal Bindy Marshall told 7NEWS, “I just think it’s fraught with danger.” She added that 95 per cent of clients at her service could not sign for themselves, with all of them in a dementia unit.
Impact on Access to Care
GP Dr John Carlyle echoed these concerns, stating, “They haven’t thought it through basically.” He noted that expecting a power of attorney or public guardian to attend each visit is unrealistic. Disability advocate Phil Usher warned that making Medicare claims harder could discourage people from seeking care. “If you want to save money, you make something hard, and then people don’t use it,” he said.
Potential Consequences for Aged Care Facilities
Advocates also highlighted that the additional compliance requirements could force aged care facilities to send vulnerable residents to hospital instead of their GP. Marshall explained, “The facility are going to have no option but to bundle them up in an ambulance and send them to hospital.” The delay provides time for further consultation with the aged care and medical sectors to address these concerns.
