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Post by Banjo on Feb 11, 2015 14:23:45 GMT 7
A reply to an inquiry as to the status of people living overseas. Thank you for your email about Medicare eligibility.
Changing personal health information from an email request is restricted to protect your privacy and the integrity of Medicare records.
I am writing to you to confirm that Medicare cards cannot be issued while you are overseas. If a Medicare card has been expired longer than six months you will need to attend a service centre when you return to Australia to establish your eligibility.
You should present proof of identity such as a passport as well as provide evidence of residency documents (for example rate notices, rental contract, employment contract, bank statements).
For your convenience, I have attached a link to an Enrolment Application form for you to complete before attending the service centre as well as a URL link to an information page for returning Australian citizens/permanent residents.
www.humanservices.gov.au/spw/customer/forms/resources/3101-1306en.pdf
humanservices.gov.au/customer/enablers/medicare/medicare-card/medicare-enrolment-for-returning-residents
Should you require further assistance, you can call 132 011 or outside of Australia + 61 2 8633 3284 and a service officer will assist you.
I trust this information is of assistance.
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Post by Banjo on Feb 11, 2015 14:25:44 GMT 7
It took them a long time to get back to me, I suspect that a decision had to be made further up the ladder.
Anyone wanting a copy of this email let me know and I'll forward it on.
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Post by aussie25 on Feb 11, 2015 15:33:28 GMT 7
Yes please forward me a copy. Thanks
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Post by Deleted on Feb 11, 2015 19:12:04 GMT 7
Thanks for the Information So if you live overseas and return after card is expired You have to prove where you live in OZ Plus a Bank Account
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Post by Banjo on Feb 12, 2015 8:54:56 GMT 7
I think that the trick would be not to let your card expire.
I see mine is still good until 05/2017 I'll have to check the address so I know where the renewal reminder goes.
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Post by nomadic on Feb 12, 2015 19:14:54 GMT 7
On a similar subject does anyone know if you are entitled to a health care card when you have UP? When I was first overseas about 15 years ago and up until three years ago i was always sent a health care card around two months before it expired but since UP it hasn't been sent out to my oz adress. Last year on my return I had to go to a C/L office and get a temp one until i got a new one in the mail. Due back again with an expired one and will have to go to an office again. Is it different for us than others I would like to know? It really is only a matter of convenience. Just more wasted time for all concerned is my guess.
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Post by Denis-NFA on Feb 14, 2015 2:44:18 GMT 7
I think that the trick would be not to let your card expire. I see mine is still good until 05/2017 I'll have to check the address so I know where the renewal reminder goes. I have no idea if it helps but as part of that "myGov" login at www.humanservices.gov.au/ I registered for online Medicare Access, as well as Centrelink, which allows you to update your home address.
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Post by Banjo on Feb 14, 2015 7:47:23 GMT 7
On a similar subject does anyone know if you are entitled to a health care card when you have UP? When I was first overseas about 15 years ago and up until three years ago i was always sent a health care card around two months before it expired but since UP it hasn't been sent out to my oz adress. Last year on my return I had to go to a C/L office and get a temp one until i got a new one in the mail. Due back again with an expired one and will have to go to an office again. Is it different for us than others I would like to know? It really is only a matter of convenience. Just more wasted time for all concerned is my guess. Sorry nomadic, I missed this, your health care card is automatically cancelled when you leave the country and is normally restored on returning. I believe that if you have UP and told Centrelink that you live overseas that you have to ask for one on return and claim that you are back in Australia permanently. I seem to recall this happening to Zorro and Banker.
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Post by nomadic on Feb 14, 2015 16:22:47 GMT 7
Thanks Banjo, looks like another half day wasted on my return travelling to then standing in a line and sitting at a C/L office.
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Post by Banjo on Feb 14, 2015 17:34:57 GMT 7
Ask them for a temporary low income health care card. Be at the office early before it opens, first in first served.
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