RECENTLY we had several patients and their families having trouble navigating the Aged Care system, so I thought it might be timely to look at how you can register with My Aged Care and how the process works.
My Aged Care
My Aged Care is your starting point to access government-funded aged care services. Whatever your situation, specific needs or background, My Aged Care can help you understand what types of services are available – from services that help you live independently at home to short-term care that helps you get back on your feet, to moving into an aged care home when you can no longer live at home.
Am I eligible?
If you are over 65 or over the age of 50 and of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander origin and have:
Noticed a change in what you can do or remember
Been diagnosed with a medical condition or reduced mobility
Experienced a change in family care arrangements
Experienced a recent fall or hospital admission.
Who do I contact?
Go to myagedcare.gov.au or call them on 1800 200 422.
How does it work?
You can log into the My Aged Care website and in entering your information you can get an understanding of what you need and/or you can call My Aged Care to discuss your needs and find out if you require an assessment. If you do, an assessor will come to your home for a face-to-face assessment to work out what services you are eligible for.
MyMedicare
Another way you can enhance your current services is by formalising your relationship with your General Practice, General Practitioner and Primary Care Teams by registering with MyMedicare. It is voluntary and free to register in MyMedicare.
When you register in MyMedicare, it will notify your general practice that you have chosen them as your regular care team. Additional funding will be available from the government to help them provide the care you need.
What are the benefits to be me?
MyMedicare patients will have access to:
Greater continuity of care with your registered practice, improving health outcomes
Longer Medicare Benefit Scheme (MBS) funded telehealth consultations with your GP
Triple bulk billing incentive for longer MBS telehealth consultations for children under 16, pensioners and concession card holders
More regular visits from your GP and better care planning for people living in a residential aged care home
How to register?
There are multiple ways you can register with your chosen practice in MyMedicare:
Through your Medicare Online Account or Express Plus Medicare Mobile App. Check that your practice is registered in MyMedicare before you start. Practice staff will then accept the registration in the MyMedicare system.
Your practice may start the registration in MyMedicare or you can ask them to do this. This will trigger a registration in your Medicare Online Account or Express Plus Medicare Mobile app, which you can then complete.
Fill out a registration form and provide it to your practice. By signing the form, you are giving consent to participate in MyMedicare. Practice staff will then complete the registration in the MyMedicare system.
I hope this shines a bit more light on the process!
