Important Medicare Update
Important Medicare Update for Our Patients
Changes to Bulk Billing from 1 July 2026
- 📅 These changes take effect from 1 July 2026 and apply to all bulk-billed medical services across Australia
At Westgate Medical Centre, we are committed to making healthcare simple, accessible, and affordable for our community. We would like to inform you about an important Medicare change that will affect all bulk-billed medical services across Australia from 1 July 2026.
Section 01
What is changing?
The Australian Government is introducing a new digital process for the Assignment of Benefit (AOB). This is the process that allows Medicare to pay your Medicare benefit directly to your doctor when you receive a bulk-billed service.
Until now, this consent could often be provided verbally. From 1 July 2026, Medicare requires patients to provide and retain evidence of their consent for each bulk-billed consultation.
Section 02
What does this mean for you?
If you receive a bulk-billed service at Westgate Medical Centre, you will be required to confirm that you agree to assign your Medicare benefit to your treating doctor.This is simply your permission for Medicare to pay the rebate directly to the doctor on your behalf, rather than paying the benefit to you personally.
Not a new fee
This change does not affect what you pay. Bulk billing continues as normal — this is only a new consent requirement.
Every consultation
Consent is required for each bulk-billed visit. You will be prompted each time so nothing is missed.
Section 03
How will I provide my consent?
Depending on the type of appointment and Medicare requirements, you may be asked to:
1
Complete a secure consent request sent via SMS after your appointment.
2
Confirm your consent electronically on your mobile phone.
3
Return to reception after your consultation to complete the Assignment of Benefit process in person.
The process is quick, secure, and designed to take only a few moments.
Section 04
Why is this important?
Without a valid Assignment of Benefit, Medicare cannot pay the rebate directly to your doctor for a bulk-billed service.To help us continue offering smooth and efficient bulk-billing services, we kindly ask all patients to complete any consent requests as soon as they are received.
Section 05
Is my information secure?
Yes. Any consent request sent by Westgate Medical Centre will use secure systems designed to comply with Australian privacy and healthcare standards.
🔒 Your information remains protected and is used only for Medicare claiming purposes. All consent requests come directly and securely from Westgate Medical Centre.
Section 06
Need help?
We understand that new processes can sometimes be confusing. Our reception team is here to assist you and answer any questions you may have about the new Medicare requirements.
Please feel free to speak with our team before or after your appointment if you require assistance.
Section 06
Our team is here for you
Call us or visit reception — we’re happy to walk you through the new consent process.