Your Medicare card is changing - here’s what it looks like
Medicare is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a new card design.
Aussies will notice a small change to their Medicare cards this year, with a new design rolling out to celebrate a milestone for the healthcare system.
From February 1, 2024, all new and digital Medicare cards will feature a commemorative design in the left-hand corner of the card.
“Medicare is turning 40,” Services Australia said. “If you get a new or replacement card from February 1, 2024, it’ll be a 40-year anniversary card. This card design will be issued until December 31, 2024. Medicare cards will also be updated in Medicare online accounts.”
Do you have a story to share? Contact tamika.seeto@yahooinc.com
You can get a new Medicare card if it expires or is lost, stolen or damaged. You can also get an extra card if someone in your family needs one.
Medicare automatically sends people a new card about four to eight weeks before their current card expires. You don’t need to do anything to get the new card, just notify them if you have changed address.
You can also get a digital copy of your Medicare card and access it via your Express Plus Medicare mobile app or add it to your myGov app.
RELATED
Centrelink, Age Pension, Medicare: All the major changes coming in January 2024
Medicare's $234m payout: How a million Aussies can get cash boost within three days
Medicare bulk-billing and GP fee changes: What you need to know
40 years of Medicare
Medicare is Australia’s universal healthcare system. It was first introduced on February 1, 1984 to help Australians with the cost of their health care.
Medicare helps cover the cost of some or all of the costs of various medical services, including those delivered in public and private hospitals.
Australians help to cover the cost of the Medicare system through the Medicare levy, which is 2 per cent of your taxable income. The Medicare levy surcharge also applies to people who earn over a certain income and don’t have private hospital insurance.
Follow Yahoo Finance on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and Twitter, and subscribe to our free daily newsletter.