Compensation recipients
The Compensation Recovery Program started in February 1996. It is administered by Medicare Australia under the provision of the Health and Other Services (Compensation) Act 1995 (the Act) on behalf of the Department of Health and Ageing.
The program aims to prevent ‘double dipping' of Medicare benefits, nursing home benefits and residential care subsidies paid by the Australian Government in relation to an injury or illness, where a person has already received compensation for that same injury or illness.
Where the amount of compensation fixed is more than $5000 (including costs), the value of the benefits or subsidies paid by the Australian Government in relation to the injury or illness must be repaid.
Information sheets
- Important information for claimants [PDF, 322Kb]
- When to notify Medicare Australia [PDF, 304Kb]
- Frequently used terms [PDF, 320Kb]
- Making a compensation payment to the Australian Government [PDF, 313Kb]
- Apportionment of liability [PDF, 317Kb]
- What to do once a claim reaches judgment or settlement [PDF, 332Kb]
- Requesting a review of a deemed amount after judgment or settlement [PDF, 301Kb]
- Authority to release information [PDF, 303Kb]
- Judgment or settlement reached [PDF, 315Kb]
- Nursing Home Benefits/Residential Care subsidies and Compensation Recovery [PDF, 135Kb]
Compensation Recovery Program quarterly news
Compensation recipients, their representatives and insurers can be kept up-to-date wth information and policy changes to the Compensation Recovery Program through our Compensation recovery update quarterly publication.
The Act 'Sunset Clause' repealed
In 1996, an amendment was made to the to allow a compensation payer or insurer the option to utilise an Advanced Payment Option (APO). The option allows compensation payers to pay 10 per cent of the total amount of compensation set at judgment or settlement to Medicare Australia to cover any potential debt owed to the Australian Government. Claimants then have immediate access to the remaining 90 per cent of their money.
The APO was due to finish on 1 July 2006 if the 'sunset clause' allowing this option was not repealed. Legislation was passed unchanged by the Senate on 11 May 2006 ensuring that the APO is still available after 30 June 2006 and remains at 10 per cent. The Senate Community Affairs Legislation Committee's report on the Health and other Services (Compensation) Amendment Bill 2006
is available at the Parliament of Australia website.
Changes to the Act
The Australian Government changed the Act from 1 January 2002. The changes simplify and streamline the process of repaying Medicare benefits, nursing home benefits and residential care benefits to Medicare Australia, from compensation payouts.
Forms
For lodgement of forms or enquiries relating to claims against compensation payers:
Residents in the ACT and NSW send to:
Compensation Section
Medicare Australia
GPO Box 4104
Sydney NSW 2001
Or email nsw.comp.mgr@medicareaustralia.gov.au
Residents in NT, Qld, SA, Tas, Vic and WA send to:
Compensation Section
Medicare Australia
GPO Box 2436
Brisbane QLD 4001
Or email qld.comp.mgr@medicareaustralia.gov.au
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Last updated: 16 March, 2010