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September 2008
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Indigenous Health

Indigenous Access Program

The life expectancy of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders is some 15 to 20 years less than other Australians, with levels of disease roughly 3 times that of non-Indigenous people.

The Australian Government has implemented a range of health measures specifically tailored to the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Medicare Australia administers a number of these programs such as the health assessments (55 years and over) and the adult health check [PDF, 93Kb]PDF reader required.

Medicare Australia’s promise is that we will deliver great service to all Australians and we are working with Indigenous communities and health care providers to improve access to our services. One way that we are working towards this is through our Indigenous Access Program [PDF, 117Kb]PDF reader required.

Within each of the States and the Northern Territory, Medicare Australia has a network of Medicare Liaison Officers for Indigenous Access with a diverse range of culturally appropriate skills and expertise. These officers work closely with Indigenous communities, Aboriginal Medical Services and other health service providers nationally.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Line

We have a free-call telephone service to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander customers and health workers.

The Access line is supported by the Medicare Liaison Officers for Indigenous Access who are culturally aware of the special conditions that may affect Indigenous people.  Call - 1800 556 955.

What is the Voluntary Indigenous Identifier?

Medicare Australia promotes voluntary identification within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Identifying as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander is completely voluntary and has been incorporated into all Medicare Australia forms.

The information captured will be used to assess the effectiveness of current and new initiatives and programs to enhance quality health services.  It will be used to improve Indigenous people’s access to health programs, by directing services and funding to those locations which require them most.

All data we collect is held securely and protected by privacy rules.  When information is grouped for statistics or reports, it contains no names or identifying facts.

For more information, please call the Medicare Australia Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access line on 1800 556 955.

For a copy of the forms:

These can be returned to:

Indigenous Access Program
PO Box 1001
Tuggeranong DC ACT 2901

Remote Aboriginal Health Services and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)

The supply of pharmaceutical benefit items under Section 100 of the National Health Act 1953

Special arrangements exist for the supply of pharmaceutical benefits to clients of eligible remote area Aboriginal Health Services (AHS). Under these arrangements clients of approved remote area AHS can receive prescription medicine free of charge directly from the AHS at the time of the medical consultation without the need for a prescription.

The Department of Health and Ageing (DoHA) is responsible for approving AHS participation in these arrangements.

For more information:

Approved AHS are issued with a registration number, which is used to request medicine from a community pharmacy or public hospital pharmacy.

Immunisation and wound management services provided by registered Aboriginal Health Workers

There are two new Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) items for immunisation and wound management services provided by Aboriginal Health Workers in the Northern Territory on behalf of a GP.

For more information visit the Department of Health and AgeingExternal link website.

Medicare reference guide

The Medicare reference guide assists Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Services access programs administered by Medicare Australia, in particular Medicare and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

Mediguide

Mediguide is a publication for providers and practice staff.  It is designed to give a quick and easy guide to the Medicare claiming system and other health programs administered by Medicare Australia.

Forum newsletter

Forum newsletter is published by Medicare Australia each quarter and covers Medicare and related issues for medical practitioners and practice staff.

Bulletin Board newsletter

Bulletin Board newsletter is published by Medicare Australia each quarter and covers important information on the PBS for pharmacists.

Consumer information page

The consumer information page contains useful information, brochures, forms and links for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people. Including:

  • Enrolling with Medicare
  • Medicare Safety Net
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Line
  • Voluntary Indigenous Identifier
  • Where to go for Medicare services
  • Indigenous Ambassadors program
  • Other programs and services available

Some documents on this page may require the free Adobe PDF reader.

Last updated: 26 June, 2008

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