Australians are being urged to update their bank account details with Medicare as new figures reveal that over $170 million worth of benefits are sitting unclaimed.
Leading the call, federal Minister for Government Services, Senator Linda Reynolds said Medicare had missing or out-of-date banking information for around 800,000 people, many of whom could score a New Year financial boost when their benefits were paid.
“Since July 2021, Services Australia has paid out over $19 million in previously unclaimed Medicare benefits,” Senator Reynolds said.
“This coincides with 7.3 million Australians linking their Medicare online account with myGov to access their proof of COVID-19 vaccinations this financial year,” she said.
“To update personal and bank account details, people can simply sign in to their Medicare online account through myGov, or the Express Plus Medicare app and select ‘View and edit my details’.”
Senator Reynolds said people should also check that all of their information was correct, including their address and phone number.
The Minister said that if any past Medicare benefits had not already been paid, they would be issued within three business days of the updated bank account information being provided.
Further information on updating personal details for Medicare can be accessed on the Services Australia website at this PS News link.
