Health Insurance Commission
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| Agency overview | |
|---|---|
| Formed | 1 October 2005 |
| Preceding agency |
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| Jurisdiction | Government of Australia |
| Annual budget | A$856.6 million (2009/10) |
| Agency executives |
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| Parent agency | Department of Human Services |
| Website | www.medicareaustralia.gov.au |
Medicare Australia is one of the Master Programs of the Australian Government Department of Human Services(DHS). Prior to 1 October 2005, Medicare Australia was known as the Health Insurance Commission (HIC). On 1 July 2011, Medicare Australia and Centrelink were integrated into the Department of Human Services by the Human Services Legislation Amendment Act 2011.
Medicare Australia administers health-related programs. It is a prescribed agency under the Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997 (Cth) and a statutory agency within the Department of Human Services, under the Public Service Act 1999 (Cth).
The National Office of Medicare Australia is located in Canberra, and is responsible for policy and program development. Medicare Australia previously had many branch offices across Australia, usually located in retail centers, which processed claims from and payments to members. Since 2009 these have been progressively shut with payment and claim facilities moving online and with integration to provide assistance with online access at centerlink offices termed "one-stop-shops".
Medicare Australia administers various health-related programs in partnership with the Department of Health and Ageing. As of 2007, these programs included:
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