Medicare Assignment of Benefit (AoB)
Before we can submit a claim to Medicare on your behalf, we need your consent. By providing your consent, you agree that we can collect, use, and share the information needed to process your Medicare claim and manage your healthcare. Your personal information will be handled confidentially and in accordance with Australian privacy laws. If you have any questions about Medicare consent or how your information is used, please speak with a member of our team before your appointment.
Information regarding the upcoming changes to the Assignment of Benefit process from 01 July 2026.
What is Assignment of Benefit?
Assignment of Benefit (AoB) refers to the process by which a patient authorises Medicare to pay their benefit directly to the healthcare provider, rather than reimbursing the patient.
A Bulk Billing Agreement form is signed by the patient to allow the provider to claim the benefit directly from Medicare, ensuring there is no out-of-pocket cost to you, the patient.
What is changing?
From 01 July 2026, you will have the added ability to give your consent to assign your benefit directly to your healthcare provider digitally.
If you would like to receive your form digitally, an SMS, email or to your HotDoc App message will be sent to you containing a link to an online Assignment of Benefit Bulk Billing Agreement form.
If you do not wish to provide your consent digitally, the paper form will still be available for you to sign in-person. (a copy of your paper form consent will be held for 2 years.)
If consent is not provided digitally or via the paper form, your appointment cannot be bulk billed and you will be asked to pay privately for your consultation.
Why are these changes being introduced?
Much like the introduction of digital eScripts that are sent directly to you or your pharmacy, these changes will streamline the healthcare journey for patients and reduce paperwork for practices.
We appreciate your understanding and patience as we transition to this process. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to speak to your doctor or our friendly receptionist team.
You can also find more information about the changes to Assignment of Benefit on the Australian Government of Health, Disability and Ageing (DoHDA) website:
https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/improving-the-assignment-of-benefit-process