Editing Medicare (Australia) (section)

==History==
{{Cleanup|date=June 2024|reason=this section is too disparate and disjointed.|section}}

===Health insurance prior to Medibank===
From early in the European history of Australia, [[friendly societies]] provided most health insurance which was widely adopted.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The History of General Practice in Australia - Early Federation Era |url=http://www.gp.org.au/EarlyFederation.html |access-date=2022-07-27 |website=www.gp.org.au |archive-date=18 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221018102655/http://www.gp.org.au/EarlyFederation.html |url-status=live}}</ref> The states and territories operated hospitals, asylums and other institutions for sick and disabled people not long after their establishment, replicating the predominant model of treatment in the [[United Kingdom]]. These institutions were often large and residential. Many individuals and groups ran private hospitals, both for profit and not-for-profit. These were particularly active in providing maternity care.

A royal commission into friendly societies was held in NSW in 1870–74, which was followed by new legislation in 1875.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |title=Royal Commission Upon the Working of the Friendly Societies Act, 37 Vic No4, and to Report Generally on the Character and Operations of the Friendly Societies of New South Wales - Report (NSW Pp 1883 (v3 - First Session) 193-742) [1882] NSWRoyalC 3 (13 December 1882) |url=https://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdoc/au/other/nsw/NSWRoyalC/1882/3.html |access-date=2024-12-14 |website=www.austlii.edu.au}}</ref>

An 1876 British Empire royal commission into friendly societies considered the establishment of Victorian colony-run health insurance, and decided against it.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-08-22 |title=Getting a Grip: the Roles of Friendly Societies in Australia and Britain Reappraised {{!}} History Cooperative |url=https://historycooperative.org/journal/getting-a-grip-the-roles-of-friendly-societies-in-australia-and-britain-reappraised/ |access-date=2024-12-14 |language=en-US}}</ref>

Another NSW friendly society royal commission was held in 1882. It found that the welfare of 175,000 people in the colony was insured by the societies.<ref name=":7" />

If a worker was injured at work, there was no statutory requirement for the employer to pay compensation to the injured person. Compensation was only paid if the worker successfully sued their employer for negligence. They were rarely successful. The UK's ''Employment Liability Act 1880'' aimed to improve the workers' success in court, and was enacted in the Australian colonies between 1882 and 1895. The injured workers remained largely unsuccessful.<ref name="safeworkaustralia.gov.au">https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/book/comparison-wc-arrangements-29ed/chapter-1</ref>

The South Australian government passed the ''Workmens’ Compensation Act 1900'',<ref>https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/book/comparison-wc-arrangements-29ed/chapter-1/sa</ref> and over the next 20 years, the other states and territories followed. These laws required businesses to pay men who were injured while working for them.

The ''Invalid and Old-Age Pensions Act 1908 (Cth)'' provided a pension to people "permanently incapacitated for work" and unable to be supported by their families, providing they also met race and other requirements.<ref>{{cite web |title=Invalid and Old-age Pensions Act 1908 |url=https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/C1908A00017 |website=www.legislation.gov.au |date=10 June 1908 |language=en |access-date=27 July 2022 |archive-date=25 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220525091541/https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/C1908A00017 |url-status=live }}</ref> This provided money that recipients could spend on their care and assistance.

In 1913, 46% of Australians were covered by friendly societies, with the figure rising to 50% in Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |title=Australia's friendly history |url=https://pursuit.unimelb.edu.au/articles/australia-s-friendly-history |access-date=2024-12-14 |website=Pursuit |language=en}}</ref> These societies employed many pharmacists and early-career doctors.<ref name=":8" />

The federal government's Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme was established in 1919 for Australian servicemen and women who had served in the Boer War and World War I. This allowed them to receive certain pharmaceuticals for free. In 1926, the Royal Commission on Health found that [[National Insurance (Australia)|a national health insurance scheme]] should be established.<ref>{{Cite thesis |title=Health, Welfare and the State: A study of the 1925 Australian Royal Commission on Health |url=https://ses.library.usyd.edu.au/handle/2123/13811 |date=2014-01-01 |degree=Thesis |language=en |first=Ann |last=Waters}}</ref> Legislation to do so was tabled in parliament in 1928, 1938 and 1946, but did not pass each time. It was strongly opposed by the friendly societies and medical practitioners.<ref>{{cite book |title=Adventures in Health Risk: A History of Australian Health Insurance |date=2007 |publisher=Institute of Actuaries of Australia |page=3 |url=https://www.actuaries.asn.au/Library/1.f_Conv07_Paper_Gale_Adventures%20in%20Health%20Risk.pdf |access-date=29 December 2020 |archive-date=15 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210715205511/https://www.actuaries.asn.au/Library/1.f_Conv07_Paper_Gale_Adventures%20in%20Health%20Risk.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

NSW introduced a requirement for businesses to have worker injury insurance in 1926, which made it more likely injured workers would receive compensation from their employer. The other states and territories followed.<ref name="safeworkaustralia.gov.au"/>

From 1935 to the 1970s, paid [[sick leave]] was gradually introduced into federal employment awards until 10 days sick leave per year (with unused days rolling over into future years) became standard.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Australia's industrial relations timeline |url=https://www.fairwork.gov.au/about-us/legislation/the-fair-work-system/australias-industrial-relations-timeline#nineteen-thirty-five |website=Fair Work Ombudsman |access-date=4 August 2022 |archive-date=5 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221005182734/https://www.fairwork.gov.au/about-us/legislation/the-fair-work-system/australias-industrial-relations-timeline#nineteen-thirty-five }}</ref>

In 1941 the [[Curtin government]] passed the [[Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme|Pharmaceutical Benefits Act]], however it was [[Attorney-General (Vic) ex rel Dale v Commonwealth|struck down as unconstitutional by the High Court in 1945]].

Another Curtin government action in 1941 was the beginning of the "Vocational Training Scheme for Invalid Pensioners". This provided [[occupational therapy]] and allied services to people who were not permanently incapacitated, to help them gain employment. In 1948, this body became the [[Commonwealth Rehabilitation Service]], and its work continued.<ref>{{cite web |date=2016-01-26 |title=Service Delivery in CRS Australia |url=https://www.anao.gov.au/work/performance-audit/service-delivery-crs-australia |website=www.anao.gov.au |language=en |access-date=27 July 2022 |archive-date=27 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220727225700/https://www.anao.gov.au/work/performance-audit/service-delivery-crs-australia }}</ref>

Under the [[Chifley government]] Hospital Benefits Act 1945, participating states and territories provided public hospital ward treatment free of charge. Non-public ward treatment for people with health insurance was subsidised by the Commonwealth. This led to an increase in the number of Australians covered by private health insurance plans.<ref name="Routledge">{{cite book |title=Market limits in health reform: public success, private failure |date=1999 |publisher=Routledge |location=London |isbn=0-415-20236-1}}</ref>

Then from 1946, Queensland's [[Frank Cooper (politician)|Cooper government]] introduced free public hospital treatment in that state.<ref name="Routledge"/><ref>{{cite news|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article71426103|title=Free Hospital Treatment|date=7 January 1946|newspaper=[[The Worker (Brisbane)|The Worker]]|issue=3051|location=Brisbane|volume=56 |page=10|via=National Library of Australia|access-date=16 January 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/qld/hist_act/hbaao194510gvn2363/|title=Hospital Benefits Agreement Act of 1945 (10 Geo VI, No 2)|publisher=Australasian Legal Information Institute|access-date=16 January 2017}}</ref> This was retained by future Queensland governments.

A [[1946 Australian referendum (Social Services)|1946 referendum]] changed the constitution so that the federal government could more clearly fund a range of social services including "pharmaceutical, sickness and hospital benefits, medical and dental services."

And so in 1948, the establishment of the [[Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme]] (PBS) expanded the earlier ex-soldier only scheme to all Australians. The Labor government who introduced this had hoped to introduce further national healthcare measures like those of Britain's [[National Health Service]]; however, they were voted out of office in 1949, before they had sufficient Senate support to pass the legislation. The incoming [[Menzies government (1949–1966)|Menzies government]] wound back the PBS, with it continuing in a more limited form than originally planned.

In 1950, the Menzies government established the ''Pensioner Medical Service'', providing free GP services and medicines for pensioners (including widows) and their dependants.<ref>{{cite web |title=A compendium of legislative changes in social security 1908–1982 |url=https://www.dss.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/05_2012/op12.pdf |access-date=22 November 2020 |archive-date=1 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201001113239/https://www.dss.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/05_2012/op12.pdf }}</ref> (This was enabled by the Social Services Consolidation Act (No 2) 1948).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Social Services Consolidation Act (No 2) 1948 (NO. 69, 1948) |url=http://classic.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/num_act/ssca21948691948357/ |access-date=2022-07-27 |website=classic.austlii.edu.au |archive-date=10 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240710000445/http://classic.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/num_act/ssca21948691948357/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

The [[National Health Act 1953]] reformed the health insurance industry and the way hospitals received federal funding. Health Minister, Dr [[Earle Page]], said that these changes would "provide an effective bulwark against the socialisation of medicine."<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Graycar|first1=A. F.|last2=Junor|first2=C. W.|date=1970|title=The Anatomy of a Health Scheme|journal=The Australian Quarterly|volume=42|issue=3|pages=48–64|doi=10.2307/20634381|jstor=20634381|issn=0005-0091}}</ref> The federal government began to offer some subsidy for all private health insurance funded services.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=The History of General Practice in Australia - The post-war period |url=http://www.gp.org.au/PostWar.html |access-date=2022-07-27 |website=www.gp.org.au |archive-date=27 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220727100652/http://www.gp.org.au/PostWar.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The very poor received free health care.<ref name=":2">{{Cite journal |last=Deeble |first=J.S. |date=1969-10-01 |title=Meeting the rising costs of health |journal=The Round Table |volume=59 |issue=236 |pages=414–422 |doi=10.1080/00358536908452839 |issn=0035-8533}}</ref> In 1953, private health insurance covered all but 17% of Australians.<ref>{{cite book |title=Adventures in Health Risk: A History of Australian Health Insurance |date=2007 |publisher=Institute of Actuaries of Australia |page=4 |url=https://www.actuaries.asn.au/Library/1.f_Conv07_Paper_Gale_Adventures%20in%20Health%20Risk.pdf |access-date=29 December 2020 |archive-date=15 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210715205511/https://www.actuaries.asn.au/Library/1.f_Conv07_Paper_Gale_Adventures%20in%20Health%20Risk.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> By 1969, 30% of all private health insurance costs were being paid by the federal government.<ref name=":2" /> While the creators of the 1953 scheme had intended that the subsidised private health insurance would fund 90% of health costs, it only covered between 65 and 70% between 1953 and 1969.<ref name=":2" />

In 1969, the Commonwealth Committee of Inquiry into Health Insurance (the "[[John Nimmo (judge)|Nimmo]] Enquiry") recommended a new national health scheme.<ref>{{Cite web |title=PP no. 2 of 1969 |url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-2772240571 |access-date=2022-07-27 |website=Trove |language=en |archive-date=10 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240710000512/https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-2772240571/view |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[Gorton government]] under Health Minister, [[Jim Forbes (Australian politician)|Dr Jim Forbes]],<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id:%22library/lcatalog/10134931%22 |title=ParlInfo - Health insurance: Report of the Commonwealth Committee of Enquiry |access-date=31 January 2022 |archive-date=7 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220207043722/https://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id:%22library/lcatalog/10134931%22 }}</ref> provided free private health insurance for the unemployed, seriously ill workers (on sickness benefit), the severely disabled (on special benefit), new migrants, and households on a single minimum wage.<ref>{{Cite web|title=1969/1970, PP no. 185 of 1970|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-2772535082|access-date=2022-02-01|website=Trove|language=en|archive-date=10 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240710000525/https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-2772535082/view|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":0">Hancock, Ian (2002). John Gorton: He Did It His Way. Hodder, p.211-21, 256.</ref> In September 1969 the National Health Act was amended,<ref>{{Cite web|title=National Health Act 1969 (NO. 102, 1969)|url=http://classic.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/sinodisp/au/legis/cth/num_act/nha19691021969174/nha19691021969174.html?stem=0&synonyms=0&query=national%20health%20act%201969#disp0|access-date=2022-02-01|website=classic.austlii.edu.au|archive-date=2 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220202001452/http://classic.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/sinodisp/au/legis/cth/num_act/nha19691021969174/nha19691021969174.html?stem=0&synonyms=0&query=national%20health%20act%201969#disp0|url-status=live}}</ref> and the scheme came into effect on 1 January 1970.<ref name=":0" />

In 1972, 17% of Australians outside of Queensland had no health insurance, most of whom were on low incomes.<ref name="Routledge"/>

===Medibank (1975–1976)===
The [[Whitlam government]], elected in 1972, sought to put an end to the three-tier system by extending healthcare coverage to the entire population.<ref>''Understanding the Australian Health Care System'' by Eileen Willis, Louise Reynolds, and Keleher Helen.</ref> Before the Labor Party came to office, [[Bill Hayden]], the Minister for Social Security, took the main responsibility for developing the preliminary plans to establish a universal health scheme.

According to a speech to Parliament on 29 November 1973 by Mr Hayden, the purpose of Medibank was to establish the "most equitable and efficient means of providing health insurance coverage for all Australians."<ref>{{cite web |title=ParlInfo – HEALTH INSURANCE BILL 1973: Second Reading |url=https://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id%3A%22hansard80%2Fhansardr80%2F1973-11-29%2F0071%22 |website=parlinfo.aph.gov.au |access-date=21 November 2020 |archive-date=10 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240710000453/https://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id%3A%22hansard80%2Fhansardr80%2F1973-11-29%2F0071%22 |url-status=live }}</ref>

The Medibank legislation was one of the bills which led to a [[double dissolution]] on 11 April 1974, and was later passed by a [[Joint Sitting of the Australian Parliament of 1974|joint sitting]] on 7 August 1974. Parliamentarians planned for Medicare to be funded by a 1.35% income tax (exempting people on a low income). However, this was rejected by the Senate, so it was instead funded from consolidated revenue.<ref name="Biggs APH brief">{{Cite web|last=Biggs|first=Amanda|date=29 October 2004|title=Medicare – Background brief|url=https://www.aph.gov.au/About_Parliament/Parliamentary_Departments/Parliamentary_Library/Publications_Archive/archive/medicare|access-date=23 November 2020|website=[[Australian Parliament House]] Parliamentary Library|archive-date=22 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922141123/https://www.aph.gov.au/About_Parliament/Parliamentary_Departments/Parliamentary_Library/Publications_Archive/archive/medicare|url-status=live}}</ref>

Medibank started on 1 July 1975.<ref name="Biggs APH brief" /> In nine months, the [[Health Insurance Commission]] (HIC) had increased its staff from 22 to 3500, opened 81 offices, installed 31 minicomputers, 633 terminals and 10 medium-sized computers linked by land-lines to the central computer, and issued registered health insurance cards to 90% of the Australian population.

===Medibank Mark II (1976–1981)===
After a change of government at the [[Australian federal election, 1975|December 1975 election]], the [[Fraser government]] established the Medibank Review Committee in January 1976. This led to legislative changes, and the launch of 'Medibank Mark II' on 1 October 1976. It included a 2.5% income levy, with taxpayers having an option of instead taking out private health insurance. Other changes included reducing rebates to doctors and hospitals.<ref name="Biggs APH brief"/> Over the following years, universal free hospital access ceased in almost all hospitals, with only the poor receiving free access.<ref name=":1" />

Also that year, the Fraser government passed the [[Medibank Private]] bill, which allowed the HIC to enter the private health insurance business. It was to become the dominant player in that market.

In 1978, [[bulk billing]] was restricted to pensioners and the socially disadvantaged. Rebates were reduced to 75% of the schedule fee. The health insurance levy was also scrapped that year. The next year, Medibank rebates were cut further. In 1981, access to Medibank was restricted further, and an income tax rebate was introduced for holders of private health insurance to encourage its uptake. Finally, the original Medibank was dissolved entirely in late 1981, leaving behind Medibank Private as a government-operated private health insurer.

===Medicare (1984–current)===
On 1 February 1984, the original Medibank model was reinstated by the [[Hawke government]], but renamed Medicare to distinguish it from Medibank Private which continued to exist. Bill Hayden, the Minister for Social Security, opens the first Medicare office in Ipswich, Queensland, on 20 January 1984.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Medicare Milestones |url=https://www.health.gov.au/medicare-turns-40/medicare-milestones}}</ref>

==== Coordinated Care Trials ====
In 1995, the [[Keating government]] initiated experiments to find more economically efficient ways of delivering health services.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=Chapter 4 - Coordinated Care Trials |url=https://www.aph.gov.au/parliamentary_business/committees/senate/community_affairs/completed_inquiries/1999-02/pubhosp/report/c04 |access-date=2022-12-23 |website=Parliament of Australia |language=en-AU |archive-date=23 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221223032941/https://www.aph.gov.au/parliamentary_business/committees/senate/community_affairs/completed_inquiries/1999-02/pubhosp/report/c04 |url-status=live }}{{clarify|reason=chapter 4 of what?|date=February 2024}}</ref> This took the form of Coordinated Care Trials held from 1997 to 1999. They funded a care coordinator for around 16,000 individuals with complex health needs. The trials found that few cohorts benefited from this form of care.<ref name=":3" />

Further trials were held in 2002 to 2005. They found that people with particularly complex needs could be more effectively treated with coordinated care.<ref name=":4">{{cite web |last1=Breadon |first1=Peter |last2=Romanes |first2=Danielle |title=A new Medicare: Strengthening general practice |url=https://grattan.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/A-new-Medicare-strengthening-general-practice-Grattan-Report.pdf#page=65 |website=grattan.edu.au |access-date=9 July 2024 |page=65 |date=December 2022 |archive-date=10 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240710001448/https://grattan.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/A-new-Medicare-strengthening-general-practice-Grattan-Report.pdf#page=65 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==== Medibank Private privatisation ====
In 1997, Medibank Private was separated from the Health Insurance Commission and became its own government-owned enterprise. In 2014, it was then fully privatised by the [[Abbott government|Abbott Government]].<ref name="p753">{{cite web | title=Frequently Asked Questions | website=Department of Finance | date=2014-11-25 | url=https://www.finance.gov.au/business/government-business-enterprises/medibank-sale/frequently-asked-questions-medibank-sale | access-date=2024-07-09 | archive-date=1 February 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240201212624/https://www.finance.gov.au/business/government-business-enterprises/medibank-sale/frequently-asked-questions-medibank-sale | url-status=live }}</ref>

==== Medicare Access Points ====
Extending the Medicare office network, from 2004 many of its services became available through Medicare Access Points in small towns at some community resource centres, state government agencies, pharmacies, post offices and other locations.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-04-06 |title=Healthcare And Social Security |url=https://www.freedommigration.com/healthcare-and-social-security/ |access-date=2024-02-01 |website=Freedom Migration |language=en-AU |archive-date=1 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240201211320/https://www.freedommigration.com/healthcare-and-social-security/ |url-status=live }}</ref> These were closed in 2011, as HICAPS handled most transitions, and telephone and online services could provide additional service from the home.<ref name="j167">{{cite web | last=Taylor | first=Adrian | title=MP slams Medicare closures | website=couriermail | date=2011-06-05 | url=https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/rockhampton/mp-slams-medicare-closures/news-story/5c8c1071935e1f62653b53ad780e8330?nk=1d43f84315a07e6ea6705788be83abb2-1720569415 | access-date=2024-07-09}}</ref>

==== Easyclaim and successors ====
Easyclaim was launched in 2006, under which a patient would pay the medical practitioner the consultation fee and the receptionist would send a message to Medicare to release the amount of rebate due to the patient's designated bank account. The rebate amount would take into account the patient's concession status and thresholds. In effect, the patient only pays the gap.<ref>[https://www.humanservices.gov.au/organisations/health-professionals/services/medicare/medicare-easyclaim/about/what-you-need-know Medicare Easyclaim is used for Medicare bulk billing and patient claiming] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191023044926/https://www.humanservices.gov.au/organisations/health-professionals/services/medicare/medicare-easyclaim/about/what-you-need-know|date=23 October 2019}} humanservices.gov.au</ref> In recent years, this has largely been replaced with the [[National Australia Bank]] service HICAPS (Health Insurance Claim at Point of Sale).<ref>{{cite web |title=HICAPS |url=https://www.hicaps.com.au/ |website=hicaps.com.au |language=en |access-date=12 April 2020 |archive-date=12 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200412220128/https://www.hicaps.com.au/ |url-status=live }}</ref> For providers not using HICAPS, patients can make claims on-the-spot (where Medicare will pay the patient at a later date), online, through the Medicare mobile apps, or at Service Australia service centres.

==== Diabetes Care Project ====
From 2011 to 2014, the Diabetes Care Project trailed a coordinated care model that was similar to those used in the earlier Coordinated Care Trials. It was found that this model provided health benefits to those involved; however, the cost of care was not significantly different.<ref name=":4" />

==== myGov and Express Plus Medicare app ====
[[Digital identity in Australia#myGov|myGov]], an online platform for accessing and supplying personal information with the Australian Government was launched in May 2013.<ref name="s669">{{cite web | title=myGov Digital Services | website=Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) | date=2017-06-27 | url=https://www.anao.gov.au/work/performance-audit/mygov-digital-services | access-date=2024-07-09 | archive-date=10 July 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240710002051/https://www.anao.gov.au/work/performance-audit/mygov-digital-services | url-status=live }}</ref> It became an important way for people to access their Medicare payment details. The connected Express Plus Medicare app was released in July 2013.<ref>{{cite web |title=2013–14 Annual Report |url=https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/annual-report-2013-14.docx |access-date=10 July 2024 |archive-date=12 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240612015209/https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/annual-report-2013-14.docx |url-status=live }}</ref>

From March 2023, Medicare Card holders gained the option of being able to add a digital Medicare Card to their myGov app,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Medicare card now available in the myGov app {{!}} Department of Social Services Ministers |url=https://ministers.dss.gov.au/media-releases/10791 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=ministers.dss.gov.au |archive-date=29 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240129020918/https://ministers.dss.gov.au/media-releases/10791 |url-status=live }}</ref> removing the need to carry a physical card.

==== National Disability Insurance Scheme ====
A long-standing criticism of the Medicare schedule was its limited coverage of services to improve the lives of people with disability. This was addressed when the [[2013 Australian federal budget|2013 Labor federal budget]] established the [[National Disability Insurance Scheme]], which was progressively rolled out across the country between 2013 and 2020. It provides funding for disability supports which are not covered under Medicare, and is administered by the National Disability Insurance Agency and the private and non-government sector.<ref>{{Cite web |last=National Disability Insurance Agency |title=About us |url=https://www.ndis.gov.au/about-us |access-date=2020-04-19 |website=National Disability Insurance Scheme |archive-date=1 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200401234803/https://www.ndis.gov.au/about-us |url-status=live }}</ref>

==== "Mediscare" ====
Towards the end of the campaign for the [[2016 Australian federal election]] in July of that year, a text claiming to be from "Medicare" was sent to certain electorates around the nation, saying "Mr Turnbull's plans to privatise Medicare will take us down the road of no return. Time is running out to Save Medicare."<ref>{{cite web |last1=Mills |first1=Stephen |date=8 July 2016 |title=Three reasons why we should have seen Labor's 'Medicare SMS' coming |url=https://theconversation.com/three-reasons-why-we-should-have-seen-labors-medicare-sms-coming-62177 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201005162924/https://theconversation.com/three-reasons-why-we-should-have-seen-labors-medicare-sms-coming-62177 |archive-date=5 October 2020 |access-date=9 April 2020 |website=The Conversation |language=en}}</ref> The leader of the Liberal Party, [[Malcolm Turnbull]], had not announced such plans, and the [[Services Australia|Department of Human Services]] denied sending the message. It had instead been sent by the [[Australian Labor Party (Queensland Branch)|Queensland branch of the Australian Labor Party]]. The furore over the text brought attention to the value of Medicare to Australians. The affair was widely dubbed "Mediscare," which in turn was used to describe fears of the Liberal National Party's alleged devolution of Medicare.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Doran |first1=Matthew |last2=Patel |first2=Uma |date=2016-08-02 |title=AFP ends 'Mediscare' text message investigation |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-08-02/mediscare-text-message-investigation-dropped-by-afp/7683390 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240710002042/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-08-02/mediscare-text-message-investigation-dropped-by-afp/7683390 |archive-date=10 July 2024 |access-date=2020-04-19 |website=ABC News |language=en-AU}}</ref>

The claims were subsequently given some substance when the Liberal Party voted against a motion including a "guarantee to keep Medicare in public hands as a universal health insurance scheme for all Australians" (and six other Medicare related clauses) in October that year.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ParlInfo - MOTIONS : Health Care : Division |url=https://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id:%22chamber/hansardr/53c9fd8e-e207-4e59-aa4a-a1953f715e20/0129%22 |access-date=2025-02-24 |website=parlinfo.aph.gov.au}}</ref>

==== Health Care Homes and MyMedicare ====
9000 patients were involved in the ''Health Care Homes'' trial held from 2017 to 2021, where patients could opt in to register to a 'home' general practice or Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service which would be funded to deliver chronic disease care under a fee-for-performance basis instead of fee-for-service.<ref name=":4" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Health care homes |url=https://www.aph.gov.au/About_Parliament/Parliamentary_Departments/Parliamentary_Library/FlagPost/2018/May/Health_care_homes |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221223032938/https://www.aph.gov.au/About_Parliament/Parliamentary_Departments/Parliamentary_Library/FlagPost/2018/May/Health_care_homes |archive-date=23 December 2022 |access-date=2022-12-23 |website=Parliament of Australia |language=en-AU}}</ref> The trial ended in 2021 and was not renewed.

Evaluation of the trial found that patients had greater engagement with general practice and improved influenza vaccination rates, but did not result in improved blood pressure or blood sugar control. There was little impact on the financial burden of health care on patients, however some general practices had greater financial outcomes compared to fee-for-service arrangements. The cost of the scheme to the federal government increased compared to baseline; however, the evaluation report theorised that long-term models had potential to reduce overall costs to both the government and individuals. The model of care was generally well received by general practice staff, however GPs and practice administrators felt that the burden of administration of the scheme, as well as funding caps imposed on the trials, impaired its success.<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 July 2022 |title=Health Care Homes trial final evaluation report |url=https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2022/08/evaluation-of-the-health-care-homes-trial-final-evaluation-report-2022-main-report.pdf |access-date=2 April 2025 |website=[[Department of Health and Aged Care (Australia)|Department of Health and Aged Care]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Thomas |first1=Hayley |last2=Best |first2=Megan |last3=Mitchell |first3=Geoffrey |date=2019-12-01 |title=Health Care Homes and whole-person care: A qualitative study of general practitioners' views |url=https://www1.racgp.org.au/ajgp/2019/december/health-care-homes-and-whole-person-care |journal=Australian Journal of General Practice |volume=48 |issue=12 |pages=867–874 |doi=10.31128/AJGP-05-19-4932|pmid=31774992 }}</ref>

The [[2023 Australian federal budget]] (ALP) established ''MyMedicare''.<ref name=":5">{{cite web |date=2023-05-10 |title=Budget 2023–⁠24: Building a stronger Medicare |url=https://www.health.gov.au/ministers/the-hon-mark-butler-mp/media/budget-2023-24-building-a-stronger-medicare |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240129015148/https://www.health.gov.au/ministers/the-hon-mark-butler-mp/media/budget-2023-24-building-a-stronger-medicare |archive-date=29 January 2024 |access-date=2024-07-10 |website=Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care}}</ref> Similar to the Health Care Homes trial, MyMedicare aims to create a stronger relationship between patients and their main primary health provider, initiated by voluntary registration by patients with a single general practitioner of their choice. Patients taking up the scheme are eligible for additional Medicare benefits for longer telehealth sessions with GPs, and have access to expanded bulk-billed telehealth services if they are in certain targeted groups. MyMedicare participants are also eligible for more Medicare funded services if they frequently attend hospitals or reside in aged care facilities.<ref name="y370">{{cite web | title=Information for MyMedicare patients | website=Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care | date=2024-05-28 | url=https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/mymedicare/patients#benefits | access-date=2024-07-10 | archive-date=29 January 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240129015149/https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/mymedicare/patients#benefits | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="l390">{{cite web | title=Information for MyMedicare general practices and healthcare providers | website=Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care | date=2024-05-13 | url=https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/mymedicare/practices-and-providers#benefits | access-date=2024-07-10 | archive-date=29 January 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240129015150/https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/mymedicare/practices-and-providers#benefits | url-status=live }}</ref>

====Medicare Urgent Care Clinics====
The [[2023 Australian federal budget]] delivered by the [[Albanese government|Albanese Government]] funded the creation of ''Medicare Urgent Care Clinics''.<ref name="a510">{{cite web |date=2024-01-29 |title=Find your nearest Medicare Urgent Care Clinic |url=https://www.health.gov.au/find-a-medicare-ucc |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240129015149/https://www.health.gov.au/find-a-medicare-ucc |archive-date=29 January 2024 |access-date=2024-07-10 |website=Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care}}</ref><ref name=":5" /> The clinics are designed to provide care for emergent but non-life-threatening presentations, reducing the burden on local emergency departments. Their operation has been contracted to various bodies, mainly for-profit primary health companies. Several state and territories have opened similar clinics, such as the ''Priority Primary Care Centres'' in Victoria and ''Minor Injury and Illness Clinics'' located within satellite health clinics in Queensland.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Major Milestone For Victoria's Priority Primary Care Centres |url=http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/major-milestone-victorias-priority-primary-care-centres |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240304073347/https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/major-milestone-victorias-priority-primary-care-centres |archive-date=4 March 2024 |access-date=2024-02-12 |website=Premier of Victoria |language=en-AU}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Priority Primary Care Centres |url=http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/priority-primary-care-centres |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240228122925/https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/priority-primary-care-centres |archive-date=28 February 2024 |access-date=2024-02-12 |website=Better Health |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=24 October 2023 |title=Satellite hospitals |url=https://www.qld.gov.au/health/services/satellite-hospitals |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240503021223/https://www.qld.gov.au/health/services/satellite-hospitals |archive-date=3 May 2024 |access-date=8 June 2024 |website=[[Queensland Government]]}}</ref>