This year, Medicare will celebrate its 40th anniversary—and a small but significant design change will be introduced to the Medicare cards to commemorate this milestone.

This change is a testament to the enduring success of a system providing essential healthcare services to Australians for four decades.

Services Australia announced last Monday, January 15, that the Medicare card will feature a new design.

'Medicare is turning 40. To celebrate, the Medicare card will have a 2024 commemorative design,' the announcement read.

'If you get a new or replacement card from 1 February 2024, it’ll be a 40-year anniversary card. This card design will be issued until 31 December 2024.'

Services Australia announced a new look on the Medicare card. Source: Services Australia

The new design will be featured on the physical cards and updated in Medicare online accounts, the Express Plus Medicare mobile app, and the myGov app.

This ensures that celebrating this milestone is integrated across all platforms where Medicare services are accessed.

For those whose cards have expired, Medicare will automatically send out a new card with the commemorative design.

However, Australians who need to replace a lost, stolen or damaged card can request one on the mobile app or by calling Medicare.

The introduction of the Medicare system in 1984 by the Hawke Labor government marked a significant shift in Australia's healthcare landscape.

The system, originally called Medibank when it was introduced in 1975 by the Whitlam Labor government, was renamed Medicare and underwent significant changes, including the reversal of limitations on bulk billing and benefits implemented during a period of the Liberal government.

Over the years, Medicare has evolved to meet the changing healthcare needs of Australians. It has expanded to cover a wide range of services, including doctor's visits, tests and examinations, eye tests performed by optometrists, and most surgical and therapeutic procedures performed by doctors.

As we look forward to the future, it's clear that Medicare will continue to play a crucial role in Australia's healthcare system.

Key Takeaways

• Medicare cards will feature a commemorative design in 2024 to mark Medicare's 40th anniversary.
  
• The special design will be featured on all cards printed until the end of the year.
  
• New and replacement cards from 1 February 2024 will be anniversary cards, and the design will also be updated in various Medicare digital platforms.
  
• Australians can request a new card through the mobile app or by contacting Medicare if their card is lost, stolen or damaged.
  

What are your thoughts on the new design, members? We'd love to hear from you in the comments below.

 

[Rosie2023!]

Looks like nobody is happy re the card change..The Government will still do it as it always does because it is the Governing Body..maybe one day it will consider the thoughts of the public and help the public which is suffering economically at the moment.

 

[IAN3005]

Looks like nobody is happy re the card change..The Government will still do it as it always does because it is the Governing Body..maybe one day it will consider the thoughts of the public and help the public which is suffering economically at the moment.

They love spending the tax payer money on frivolous things......

 

[GranniCaz]

This year, Medicare will celebrate its 40th anniversary—and a small but significant design change will be introduced to the Medicare cards to commemorate this milestone.

This change is a testament to the enduring success of a system providing essential healthcare services to Australians for four decades.

Services Australia announced last Monday, January 15, that the Medicare card will feature a new design.

'Medicare is turning 40. To celebrate, the Medicare card will have a 2024 commemorative design,' the announcement read.

'If you get a new or replacement card from 1 February 2024, it’ll be a 40-year anniversary card. This card design will be issued until 31 December 2024.'

View attachment 39449

Services Australia announced a new look on the Medicare card. Source: Services Australia

The new design will be featured on the physical cards and updated in Medicare online accounts, the Express Plus Medicare mobile app, and the myGov app.

This ensures that celebrating this milestone is integrated across all platforms where Medicare services are accessed.

For those whose cards have expired, Medicare will automatically send out a new card with the commemorative design.

However, Australians who need to replace a lost, stolen or damaged card can request one on the mobile app or by calling Medicare.

The introduction of the Medicare system in 1984 by the Hawke Labor government marked a significant shift in Australia's healthcare landscape.

The system, originally called Medibank when it was introduced in 1975 by the Whitlam Labor government, was renamed Medicare and underwent significant changes, including the reversal of limitations on bulk billing and benefits implemented during a period of the Liberal government.

Over the years, Medicare has evolved to meet the changing healthcare needs of Australians. It has expanded to cover a wide range of services, including doctor's visits, tests and examinations, eye tests performed by optometrists, and most surgical and therapeutic procedures performed by doctors.

As we look forward to the future, it's clear that Medicare will continue to play a crucial role in Australia's healthcare system.

Key Takeaways

• Medicare cards will feature a commemorative design in 2024 to mark Medicare's 40th anniversary.
• The special design will be featured on all cards printed until the end of the year.
• New and replacement cards from 1 February 2024 will be anniversary cards, and the design will also be updated in various Medicare digital platforms.
• Australians can request a new card through the mobile app or by contacting Medicare if their card is lost, stolen or damaged.

What are your thoughts on the new design, members? We'd love to hear from you in the comments below.

At what COST?? This government ; all of whom were paid as “Opposition “ to represent Australians ; is so disconnected from Australians that they failed as dismally in “Opposition” as the government of the day, and now, they dare to presume Australians care about the DESIGN of the Medicare card over what the cost of such nonsense may have provided in terms of SERVICE??

 

[Johnmcl]

This year, Medicare will celebrate its 40th anniversary—and a small but significant design change will be introduced to the Medicare cards to commemorate this milestone.

This change is a testament to the enduring success of a system providing essential healthcare services to Australians for four decades.

Services Australia announced last Monday, January 15, that the Medicare card will feature a new design.

'Medicare is turning 40. To celebrate, the Medicare card will have a 2024 commemorative design,' the announcement read.

'If you get a new or replacement card from 1 February 2024, it’ll be a 40-year anniversary card. This card design will be issued until 31 December 2024.'

View attachment 39449

Services Australia announced a new look on the Medicare card. Source: Services Australia

The new design will be featured on the physical cards and updated in Medicare online accounts, the Express Plus Medicare mobile app, and the myGov app.

This ensures that celebrating this milestone is integrated across all platforms where Medicare services are accessed.

For those whose cards have expired, Medicare will automatically send out a new card with the commemorative design.

However, Australians who need to replace a lost, stolen or damaged card can request one on the mobile app or by calling Medicare.

The introduction of the Medicare system in 1984 by the Hawke Labor government marked a significant shift in Australia's healthcare landscape.

The system, originally called Medibank when it was introduced in 1975 by the Whitlam Labor government, was renamed Medicare and underwent significant changes, including the reversal of limitations on bulk billing and benefits implemented during a period of the Liberal government.

Over the years, Medicare has evolved to meet the changing healthcare needs of Australians. It has expanded to cover a wide range of services, including doctor's visits, tests and examinations, eye tests performed by optometrists, and most surgical and therapeutic procedures performed by doctors.

As we look forward to the future, it's clear that Medicare will continue to play a crucial role in Australia's healthcare system.

Key Takeaways

• Medicare cards will feature a commemorative design in 2024 to mark Medicare's 40th anniversary.
• The special design will be featured on all cards printed until the end of the year.
• New and replacement cards from 1 February 2024 will be anniversary cards, and the design will also be updated in various Medicare digital platforms.
• Australians can request a new card through the mobile app or by contacting Medicare if their card is lost, stolen or damaged.

What are your thoughts on the new design, members? We'd love to hear from you in the comments below.

What a crap article. Fancy a newly designed Medicare card and it comes with NO extra benefits. What a waste of valuable time reading such bullshit and a waste of your writers time composing such crap.

 

[Macs-241]

This year, Medicare will celebrate its 40th anniversary—and a small but significant design change will be introduced to the Medicare cards to commemorate this milestone.

This change is a testament to the enduring success of a system providing essential healthcare services to Australians for four decades.

Services Australia announced last Monday, January 15, that the Medicare card will feature a new design.

'Medicare is turning 40. To celebrate, the Medicare card will have a 2024 commemorative design,' the announcement read.

'If you get a new or replacement card from 1 February 2024, it’ll be a 40-year anniversary card. This card design will be issued until 31 December 2024.'

View attachment 39449

Services Australia announced a new look on the Medicare card. Source: Services Australia

The new design will be featured on the physical cards and updated in Medicare online accounts, the Express Plus Medicare mobile app, and the myGov app.

This ensures that celebrating this milestone is integrated across all platforms where Medicare services are accessed.

For those whose cards have expired, Medicare will automatically send out a new card with the commemorative design.

However, Australians who need to replace a lost, stolen or damaged card can request one on the mobile app or by calling Medicare.

The introduction of the Medicare system in 1984 by the Hawke Labor government marked a significant shift in Australia's healthcare landscape.

The system, originally called Medibank when it was introduced in 1975 by the Whitlam Labor government, was renamed Medicare and underwent significant changes, including the reversal of limitations on bulk billing and benefits implemented during a period of the Liberal government.

Over the years, Medicare has evolved to meet the changing healthcare needs of Australians. It has expanded to cover a wide range of services, including doctor's visits, tests and examinations, eye tests performed by optometrists, and most surgical and therapeutic procedures performed by doctors.

As we look forward to the future, it's clear that Medicare will continue to play a crucial role in Australia's healthcare system.

Key Takeaways

• Medicare cards will feature a commemorative design in 2024 to mark Medicare's 40th anniversary.
• The special design will be featured on all cards printed until the end of the year.
• New and replacement cards from 1 February 2024 will be anniversary cards, and the design will also be updated in various Medicare digital platforms.
• Australians can request a new card through the mobile app or by contacting Medicare if their card is lost, stolen or damaged.

What are your thoughts on the new design, members? We'd love to hear from you in the comments below.

A Total waist of tax payers money, this is going to cost us millions / JUST FOR A NEW LOOK BIG B---DY DEAL? \ instead of raising the rebate benefits for when you go to the doctor, etc. . They go an do this - As living expenses are going though the roof and shopping for groceries is just a nightmare with the price increase every 30 minutes --the politicians go and do this...

 

[p&rtogether]

I like it. I don’t understand why some people get their knickers in a twist when the government does something.

Surely you understand that there are more important matters that need addressing at this point in time, or are you living in a bubble like our so called leaders????????

 

[Draper]

This is yet another example of how out of touch this government is with the electorate. A poorly run and worded referendum which cost more than an election and now this unnecessary expense. The PM should stop having a wonderful time travelling the world at our expense and concentrate on real issues. Maybe he hasn't heard of Skype or Microsoft Teams to communicate with the outside world.

 

[wavery]

This year, Medicare will celebrate its 40th anniversary—and a small but significant design change will be introduced to the Medicare cards to commemorate this milestone.

This change is a testament to the enduring success of a system providing essential healthcare services to Australians for four decades.

Services Australia announced last Monday, January 15, that the Medicare card will feature a new design.

'Medicare is turning 40. To celebrate, the Medicare card will have a 2024 commemorative design,' the announcement read.

'If you get a new or replacement card from 1 February 2024, it’ll be a 40-year anniversary card. This card design will be issued until 31 December 2024.'

View attachment 39449

Services Australia announced a new look on the Medicare card. Source: Services Australia

The new design will be featured on the physical cards and updated in Medicare online accounts, the Express Plus Medicare mobile app, and the myGov app.

This ensures that celebrating this milestone is integrated across all platforms where Medicare services are accessed.

For those whose cards have expired, Medicare will automatically send out a new card with the commemorative design.

However, Australians who need to replace a lost, stolen or damaged card can request one on the mobile app or by calling Medicare.

The introduction of the Medicare system in 1984 by the Hawke Labor government marked a significant shift in Australia's healthcare landscape.

The system, originally called Medibank when it was introduced in 1975 by the Whitlam Labor government, was renamed Medicare and underwent significant changes, including the reversal of limitations on bulk billing and benefits implemented during a period of the Liberal government.

Over the years, Medicare has evolved to meet the changing healthcare needs of Australians. It has expanded to cover a wide range of services, including doctor's visits, tests and examinations, eye tests performed by optometrists, and most surgical and therapeutic procedures performed by doctors.

As we look forward to the future, it's clear that Medicare will continue to play a crucial role in Australia's healthcare system.

Key Takeaways

• Medicare cards will feature a commemorative design in 2024 to mark Medicare's 40th anniversary.
• The special design will be featured on all cards printed until the end of the year.
• New and replacement cards from 1 February 2024 will be anniversary cards, and the design will also be updated in various Medicare digital platforms.
• Australians can request a new card through the mobile app or by contacting Medicare if their card is lost, stolen or damaged.

What are your thoughts on the new design, members? We'd love to hear from you in the comments below.

What an absolute waste of taxpayers money for a card that makes no difference at all to the well being of the card owner. Surely it would make much more sense to put the money it is costing towards the return of bulk billing.

 

[Skydiver]

I can't see why we should all be excited by this? It does nothing to assist anyone, and most would not know it is 40 years anyway. Just a bit of back patting with no economic benefit for us.

 

[Zephyrangel50]

What a waste of money..which could be put to better use by increasing the Medicare rebates or bringing back bulk billing at doctors surgeries etc and many more things. It would be different if you need a new card or a replacement card…then give out the new formatted ones. Just my opinion, but my goodness in this day and age of rising costs for everything and people not being able to afford the ever rising rents, costs of living, food etc. the government needs to put their thinking caps on for the right reason.

 

[Handy]

This year, Medicare will celebrate its 40th anniversary—and a small but significant design change will be introduced to the Medicare cards to commemorate this milestone.

This change is a testament to the enduring success of a system providing essential healthcare services to Australians for four decades.

Services Australia announced last Monday, January 15, that the Medicare card will feature a new design.

'Medicare is turning 40. To celebrate, the Medicare card will have a 2024 commemorative design,' the announcement read.

'If you get a new or replacement card from 1 February 2024, it’ll be a 40-year anniversary card. This card design will be issued until 31 December 2024.'

View attachment 39449

Services Australia announced a new look on the Medicare card. Source: Services Australia

The new design will be featured on the physical cards and updated in Medicare online accounts, the Express Plus Medicare mobile app, and the myGov app.

This ensures that celebrating this milestone is integrated across all platforms where Medicare services are accessed.

For those whose cards have expired, Medicare will automatically send out a new card with the commemorative design.

However, Australians who need to replace a lost, stolen or damaged card can request one on the mobile app or by calling Medicare.

The introduction of the Medicare system in 1984 by the Hawke Labor government marked a significant shift in Australia's healthcare landscape.

The system, originally called Medibank when it was introduced in 1975 by the Whitlam Labor government, was renamed Medicare and underwent significant changes, including the reversal of limitations on bulk billing and benefits implemented during a period of the Liberal government.

Over the years, Medicare has evolved to meet the changing healthcare needs of Australians. It has expanded to cover a wide range of services, including doctor's visits, tests and examinations, eye tests performed by optometrists, and most surgical and therapeutic procedures performed by doctors.

As we look forward to the future, it's clear that Medicare will continue to play a crucial role in Australia's healthcare system.

Key Takeaways

• Medicare cards will feature a commemorative design in 2024 to mark Medicare's 40th anniversary.
• The special design will be featured on all cards printed until the end of the year.
• New and replacement cards from 1 February 2024 will be anniversary cards, and the design will also be updated in various Medicare digital platforms.
• Australians can request a new card through the mobile app or by contacting Medicare if their card is lost, stolen or damaged.

What are your thoughts on the new design, members? We'd love to hear from you in the comments below.

It would be more to the point if the medicare rebate was increased.

 

[Cans4]

This year, Medicare will celebrate its 40th anniversary—and a small but significant design change will be introduced to the Medicare cards to commemorate this milestone.

This change is a testament to the enduring success of a system providing essential healthcare services to Australians for four decades.

Services Australia announced last Monday, January 15, that the Medicare card will feature a new design.

'Medicare is turning 40. To celebrate, the Medicare card will have a 2024 commemorative design,' the announcement read.

'If you get a new or replacement card from 1 February 2024, it’ll be a 40-year anniversary card. This card design will be issued until 31 December 2024.'

View attachment 39449

Services Australia announced a new look on the Medicare card. Source: Services Australia

The new design will be featured on the physical cards and updated in Medicare online accounts, the Express Plus Medicare mobile app, and the myGov app.

This ensures that celebrating this milestone is integrated across all platforms where Medicare services are accessed.

For those whose cards have expired, Medicare will automatically send out a new card with the commemorative design.

However, Australians who need to replace a lost, stolen or damaged card can request one on the mobile app or by calling Medicare.

The introduction of the Medicare system in 1984 by the Hawke Labor government marked a significant shift in Australia's healthcare landscape.

The system, originally called Medibank when it was introduced in 1975 by the Whitlam Labor government, was renamed Medicare and underwent significant changes, including the reversal of limitations on bulk billing and benefits implemented during a period of the Liberal government.

Over the years, Medicare has evolved to meet the changing healthcare needs of Australians. It has expanded to cover a wide range of services, including doctor's visits, tests and examinations, eye tests performed by optometrists, and most surgical and therapeutic procedures performed by doctors.

As we look forward to the future, it's clear that Medicare will continue to play a crucial role in Australia's healthcare system.

Key Takeaways

• Medicare cards will feature a commemorative design in 2024 to mark Medicare's 40th anniversary.
• The special design will be featured on all cards printed until the end of the year.
• New and replacement cards from 1 February 2024 will be anniversary cards, and the design will also be updated in various Medicare digital platforms.
• Australians can request a new card through the mobile app or by contacting Medicare if their card is lost, stolen or damaged.

What are your thoughts on the new design, members? We'd love to hear from you in the comments below.

I’d rather the government spend money on updating the service that the physical card, seems like a huge waste of money to be honest

 

[Knell]

Anybody want to hazard a guess for the ACTUAL cost of a new or amended template? Would love to hear your educated guess.

 

[Luckyus]

This year, Medicare will celebrate its 40th anniversary—and a small but significant design change will be introduced to the Medicare cards to commemorate this milestone.

This change is a testament to the enduring success of a system providing essential healthcare services to Australians for four decades.

Services Australia announced last Monday, January 15, that the Medicare card will feature a new design.

'Medicare is turning 40. To celebrate, the Medicare card will have a 2024 commemorative design,' the announcement read.

'If you get a new or replacement card from 1 February 2024, it’ll be a 40-year anniversary card. This card design will be issued until 31 December 2024.'

View attachment 39449

Services Australia announced a new look on the Medicare card. Source: Services Australia

The new design will be featured on the physical cards and updated in Medicare online accounts, the Express Plus Medicare mobile app, and the myGov app.

This ensures that celebrating this milestone is integrated across all platforms where Medicare services are accessed.

For those whose cards have expired, Medicare will automatically send out a new card with the commemorative design.

However, Australians who need to replace a lost, stolen or damaged card can request one on the mobile app or by calling Medicare.

The introduction of the Medicare system in 1984 by the Hawke Labor government marked a significant shift in Australia's healthcare landscape.

The system, originally called Medibank when it was introduced in 1975 by the Whitlam Labor government, was renamed Medicare and underwent significant changes, including the reversal of limitations on bulk billing and benefits implemented during a period of the Liberal government.

Over the years, Medicare has evolved to meet the changing healthcare needs of Australians. It has expanded to cover a wide range of services, including doctor's visits, tests and examinations, eye tests performed by optometrists, and most surgical and therapeutic procedures performed by doctors.

As we look forward to the future, it's clear that Medicare will continue to play a crucial role in Australia's healthcare system.

Key Takeaways

• Medicare cards will feature a commemorative design in 2024 to mark Medicare's 40th anniversary.
• The special design will be featured on all cards printed until the end of the year.
• New and replacement cards from 1 February 2024 will be anniversary cards, and the design will also be updated in various Medicare digital platforms.
• Australians can request a new card through the mobile app or by contacting Medicare if their card is lost, stolen or damaged.

What are your thoughts on the new design, members? We'd love to hear from you in the comments below.

My prescriptions have so far risen $2,50 per script under this government.
(GIVE ALBO, THE ELBOW)

 

[Tommy Jones]

There mere mention of the word 'Whitlam' makes me want to vomit.... that was the start of the demise of Australia....the SOB.

Agreed - Whitlam was a POS and Albo is going down looking even worse.
Who gives a FF about Medicare and its 40 year history. What we need is dental cover and for them to pay the stupid gap amount……

 

[David567]

I like it. I don’t understand why some people get their knickers in a twist when the government does something.

Because there is no benefit to this whatsoever. Total waste of tax payers money.

 

[David567]

Who cares what the card looks like. What are the benefits of this waste of money. Medical care is more important that what the bloody card looks like, and how many old, unused plastic cards are being dumped in land fill.
Send these comments to Albo, it might make him realise what a f****** moron he is.

 

[Scaveola]

This year, Medicare will celebrate its 40th anniversary—and a small but significant design change will be introduced to the Medicare cards to commemorate this milestone.

This change is a testament to the enduring success of a system providing essential healthcare services to Australians for four decades.

Services Australia announced last Monday, January 15, that the Medicare card will feature a new design.

'Medicare is turning 40. To celebrate, the Medicare card will have a 2024 commemorative design,' the announcement read.

'If you get a new or replacement card from 1 February 2024, it’ll be a 40-year anniversary card. This card design will be issued until 31 December 2024.'

View attachment 39449

Services Australia announced a new look on the Medicare card. Source: Services Australia

The new design will be featured on the physical cards and updated in Medicare online accounts, the Express Plus Medicare mobile app, and the myGov app.

This ensures that celebrating this milestone is integrated across all platforms where Medicare services are accessed.

For those whose cards have expired, Medicare will automatically send out a new card with the commemorative design.

However, Australians who need to replace a lost, stolen or damaged card can request one on the mobile app or by calling Medicare.

The introduction of the Medicare system in 1984 by the Hawke Labor government marked a significant shift in Australia's healthcare landscape.

The system, originally called Medibank when it was introduced in 1975 by the Whitlam Labor government, was renamed Medicare and underwent significant changes, including the reversal of limitations on bulk billing and benefits implemented during a period of the Liberal government.

Over the years, Medicare has evolved to meet the changing healthcare needs of Australians. It has expanded to cover a wide range of services, including doctor's visits, tests and examinations, eye tests performed by optometrists, and most surgical and therapeutic procedures performed by doctors.

As we look forward to the future, it's clear that Medicare will continue to play a crucial role in Australia's healthcare system.

Key Takeaways

• Medicare cards will feature a commemorative design in 2024 to mark Medicare's 40th anniversary.
• The special design will be featured on all cards printed until the end of the year.
• New and replacement cards from 1 February 2024 will be anniversary cards, and the design will also be updated in various Medicare digital platforms.
• Australians can request a new card through the mobile app or by contacting Medicare if their card is lost, stolen or damaged.

What are your thoughts on the new design, members? We'd love to hear from you in the comments below.

This year, Medicare will celebrate its 40th anniversary—and a small but significant design change will be introduced to the Medicare cards to commemorate this milestone.

This change is a testament to the enduring success of a system providing essential healthcare services to Australians for four decades.

Services Australia announced last Monday, January 15, that the Medicare card will feature a new design.

'Medicare is turning 40. To celebrate, the Medicare card will have a 2024 commemorative design,' the announcement read.

'If you get a new or replacement card from 1 February 2024, it’ll be a 40-year anniversary card. This card design will be issued until 31 December 2024.'

View attachment 39449

Services Australia announced a new look on the Medicare card. Source: Services Australia

The new design will be featured on the physical cards and updated in Medicare online accounts, the Express Plus Medicare mobile app, and the myGov app.

This ensures that celebrating this milestone is integrated across all platforms where Medicare services are accessed.

For those whose cards have expired, Medicare will automatically send out a new card with the commemorative design.

However, Australians who need to replace a lost, stolen or damaged card can request one on the mobile app or by calling Medicare.

The introduction of the Medicare system in 1984 by the Hawke Labor government marked a significant shift in Australia's healthcare landscape.

The system, originally called Medibank when it was introduced in 1975 by the Whitlam Labor government, was renamed Medicare and underwent significant changes, including the reversal of limitations on bulk billing and benefits implemented during a period of the Liberal government.

Over the years, Medicare has evolved to meet the changing healthcare needs of Australians. It has expanded to cover a wide range of services, including doctor's visits, tests and examinations, eye tests performed by optometrists, and most surgical and therapeutic procedures performed by doctors.

As we look forward to the future, it's clear that Medicare will continue to play a crucial role in Australia's healthcare system.

Key Takeaways

• Medicare cards will feature a commemorative design in 2024 to mark Medicare's 40th anniversary.
• The special design will be featured on all cards printed until the end of the year.
• New and replacement cards from 1 February 2024 will be anniversary cards, and the design will also be updated in various Medicare digital platforms.
• Australians can request a new card through the mobile app or by contacting Medicare if their card is lost, stolen or damaged.

What are your thoughts on the new design, members? We'd love to hear from you in the comments below.

This is hardly a change to Medicare!

 

[magpie1]

Would have been a hell of a lot cheaper to just buy a CAKE in order to celebrate 40 years....

 

[Rob44]

This year, Medicare will celebrate its 40th anniversary—and a small but significant design change will be introduced to the Medicare cards to commemorate this milestone.

This change is a testament to the enduring success of a system providing essential healthcare services to Australians for four decades.

Services Australia announced last Monday, January 15, that the Medicare card will feature a new design.

'Medicare is turning 40. To celebrate, the Medicare card will have a 2024 commemorative design,' the announcement read.

'If you get a new or replacement card from 1 February 2024, it’ll be a 40-year anniversary card. This card design will be issued until 31 December 2024.'

View attachment 39449

Services Australia announced a new look on the Medicare card. Source: Services Australia

The new design will be featured on the physical cards and updated in Medicare online accounts, the Express Plus Medicare mobile app, and the myGov app.

This ensures that celebrating this milestone is integrated across all platforms where Medicare services are accessed.

For those whose cards have expired, Medicare will automatically send out a new card with the commemorative design.

However, Australians who need to replace a lost, stolen or damaged card can request one on the mobile app or by calling Medicare.

The introduction of the Medicare system in 1984 by the Hawke Labor government marked a significant shift in Australia's healthcare landscape.

The system, originally called Medibank when it was introduced in 1975 by the Whitlam Labor government, was renamed Medicare and underwent significant changes, including the reversal of limitations on bulk billing and benefits implemented during a period of the Liberal government.

Over the years, Medicare has evolved to meet the changing healthcare needs of Australians. It has expanded to cover a wide range of services, including doctor's visits, tests and examinations, eye tests performed by optometrists, and most surgical and therapeutic procedures performed by doctors.

As we look forward to the future, it's clear that Medicare will continue to play a crucial role in Australia's healthcare system.

Key Takeaways

• Medicare cards will feature a commemorative design in 2024 to mark Medicare's 40th anniversary.
• The special design will be featured on all cards printed until the end of the year.
• New and replacement cards from 1 February 2024 will be anniversary cards, and the design will also be updated in various Medicare digital platforms.
• Australians can request a new card through the mobile app or by contacting Medicare if their card is lost, stolen or damaged.

What are your thoughts on the new design, members? We'd love to hear from you in the comments below.

A waste of time and money. With GPs' bills hitting more than $90+for 10 minutes, how about improving the Medicare rebate so that we have more money to spend on groceries?