With most people now lodging Medicare claims digitally or at a doctor’s office, Medicare services in the Melbourne CBD are changing.
From Monday 23 March 2020, staff and services from the Galleria Medicare Service Centre in Bourke Street will consolidate into the Yarra, Newmarket and Windsor Service Centres.
Services Australia General Manager Hank Jongen said the agency is keeping pace with the changing needs of the community.
‘Demand for face-to-face Medicare services is decreasing as it’s easier than ever before to claim Medicare rebates digitally,’ Mr Jongen said.
‘Most people claim their rebate directly at the doctor’s office, and if this service isn’t available, people are choosing to claim through their Medicare online account or through the app.’
Currently around 99% of all Medicare claiming occurs digitally.
‘Providing a great customer experience is a high priority for Services Australia, whether that’s online, over the phone or face-to-face,’ Mr Jongen said.
‘This move means more staff can provide personalised support to those who need it at the Yarra, Newmarket and Windsor Service Centres.’
These service centres provide the full range of Centrelink and Medicare services, making it easy for people to complete all of their business during one visit.
The Yarra, Newmarket and Windsor Service Centres are open Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm and are well serviced by public transport.