A handy financial windfall is awaiting Mornington Peninsula and Bass Coast residents, who need to do one simple thing to claim their cash from the Federal Government.
Local Medicare customers are being encouraged to update their bank account details so they can access missed Medicare rebates. Almost 670,000 people have not provided Medicare with their bank details, leaving more than $110 million in unclaimed cash.
The average amount owed to each individual is about $150, but some people could be missing out on far more, if they are regular visitors to their doctor, or have had treatment for a serious medical condition.
Federal Member for Flinders, the Hon. Greg Hunt MP, encouraged residents to update their bank account details, so that they could start receiving their cash rebates.
“The Coalition Government would much rather see this money sitting in your pockets, instead of ours, which is why we are again reminding those who haven’t given Medicare their bank account details, that they need to take action now,” Minister Hunt said.
“It only takes a couple of minutes, and the easiest way to update your details is by using one of the Australian Government’s digital channels, such as the Medicare Express Plus app, or through your myGov account.”
“Medicare will then take care of the rest, and the money you’re owed will be deposited in your account in a matter of days.”
“My advice is to set aside a couple of minutes, to do what is a really simple task that will ensure you receive what you are entitled to quickly and easily.”
Reminder letters will be sent to people shortly, and will contain clear instructions on how missed rebates may be claimed. Anyone with concerns are encouraged to call, or visit one of the hundreds of service centres around the country.
Medicare Customers are reminded that scammers posing as Medicare have been known to contact people asking for their bank account details, so local residents need to remain vigilant.
Minister for Human Services and Digital Transformation Michael Keenan is reminding all residents to keep their details up to date and remain vigilant for scams.
“As recently as late last year, scammers were actively targeting people through SMS messages, that urged them to click on a hyperlink to claim their outstanding Medicare rebates,” Minister Keenan said.
“While the department does call, SMS, or email people, it never includes hyperlinks in emails or text messages.”
For more information on how to set up a Medicare online account, visit humanservices.gov.au/medicareonline