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.

 

[havingadoggyday]

It won't make any difference to the cost people.Even in the old school ways of printing,the extra letters or symbols would have been added and that's it.These days with all the new technology,they would just change the symbol digitally and away you go.

 

[havingadoggyday]

There's more to it than the extra letters.

There are committees who have already participated in the decision and design process $$$$$$$.

Yes yes and that extreme cost could cover the big black hole in our member's front tooth right???
You can tell many have a lot of time on their hands to keep this ribbon going with constant whinging

 

[AlanQ]

Governments are elected to care for and help their communities.

How does '40Years' help?

You're spot on there, the BILLIONS that people in this country have not had to fork out for medical care is not worth any recognition or consideration. Given successive conservative govts in the country have a policy to privatise or sell off Medicare, you just keep your blinkers on and stay on course. Just sit down with a basic calculator and workout how LITTLE tax people pay in comparison to the amount they get back in welfare support (including the aged pension). What most people on the aged pension paid in tax is a quarter of the amount they get back via the pension (based on average life expectancy).

 

[AlanQ]

No, first there will be or in this case has been the significant cost of the bureaucratic decision and design process, a lot.

Then comes your estimate of the slight addition that will likely end up being some dollars per issue. Multiply this by the thousands of renewed cards and you'll have a lot more money spent on a 40 year anniversary gimmick introduced by a government seeking Australians' approval.

Firstly, you don't need a card, it's only the people that feel the need of a tactile experience from holding a card that will 'apply' or have their card renewed. The app has the same information via a bar code or QR code. Secondly, you don't think the bureaucrats weren't already getting paid and this agenda item was the only item for discussion on the day?

 

[Morgana]

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.

Just another waste of taxpayers' money by an incompetent government.

 

[Morgana]

Just another waste of our money, by an incompetent government.
Do we really need to be reminded and do we really care Medicare's turned 40?
This is our money they're squandering. Money which should be put to better use, like increasing rebates.

 

[Knell]

'Today I got my Happy pills and my Ticked-off pills mixed up. I took one of each so now I’m ticked-off but I’m happy about it."

 

[Ashmenou]

Seems a waste of money to me and unneccessary

Total agree

 

[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.

How many people are suddenly going to lose or damage their existing card to get one of these, and don't kid yourself that this won't happen. If this government can find ways of wasting your money they'll find them.

 

[Luckyus]

Why 40 years , why not wait for 50 years which is a more significant number and when the Australian people are not in so much need

I agree, but It's still a total waste of tax payers finances

 

[kerrikennel]

How about all the taxpayers money you are pumping in to replace the cards design, gets pumped into our ailing hospital system to bring it up to scratch??

 

[havingadoggyday]

'Today I got my Happy pills and my Ticked-off pills mixed up. I took one of each so now I’m ticked-off but I’m happy about it."

 

[havingadoggyday]

How many people are suddenly going to lose or damage their existing card to get one of these, and don't kid yourself that this won't happen. If this government can find ways of wasting your money they'll find them.

Do you seriously think people will damage their cards to get one with 50th anniversary on it???
Seeing it's such a simple thing to contact,connect with,or have anything of any kind sorted out for you with anything"government" you'd have to be crazy to want to start a tsunami of problems asking for a new Medicare card.If you are dumb enough for the sake of it,good luck to you.Just make sure you have a valium script written out by your doctor first.
Oh PS Be prepared to pay 3 times as much for Valium..... luxury brand.....
Only the genetic will be covered at $6.70 if you are lucky enough to own a concession card I am told

 

[Bazzy Boy]

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.

Yet another way to waste money. This government needs a priority rethink

 

[Iggydi]

I feel ripped off, we just got our new cards a few days ago and my other cards didn't expire until March

 

[Iggydi]

Why 40 years , why not wait for 50 years which is a more significant number and when the Australian people are not in so much need

Because the way things are going we might not have Medicare in another 10 years time. We are turning American after all

 

[SEAN]

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.

Really couldn't care less as long as it does it's job!

 

[justice99]

They should introduce new changes in the health system but not in a new design of the cards. Who cares?

 

[Ashbeare]

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.

Nice touch. Almost no cost. After all the card will have to be issued as needed, damaged, renewed etc.

 

[IAN3005]

Agree 100%.... they can't get their priorities straight and focus on the important things at the moment ie: the rental crisis, cost of living, and the increase in homelessness....

A 2 br apartment in Parramatta going to market at $680 per week.... This is what I call the rental crisis...