Medicare Bulk Billing Consent Changes – From 1 July 2026
From 1 July 2026, there are changes to the way consent is provided for bulk-billed Medicare services.
For most patients, nothing will change. If you normally pay for your appointment and claim your Medicare rebate yourself, you will continue to do so as usual. These changes only apply if your doctor bulk bills your Medicare service.
What is changing?
The Australian Government has introduced new requirements for obtaining Assignment of Medicare Benefits consent for bulk-billed services.
A 12-month transition period will apply from 1 July 2026, which means verbal consent can still be used while medical practices prepare to introduce digital and paper consent options.
If your doctor bulk bills your consultation, you (or an appropriate person acting on your behalf) may be asked to provide consent before your Medicare claim is submitted. This consent may be completed:
- electronically (via SMS, email or the HotDoc app)
- on a Tyro terminal at reception
- on a paper form
- verbally during the transition period where appropriate.
What is Assignment of Medicare Benefits?
Assignment of Medicare Benefits means you agree for your Medicare benefit to be paid directly to your doctor as payment for a specific bulk-billed service.
This consent applies only to that individual service or claim. It is not ongoing consent for future appointments.
How do I provide consent?
If your appointment is bulk billed, providing consent is usually quick and straightforward.
Face-to-face appointments
If your doctor bulk bills your consultation, our reception team will guide you through the consent process before your claim is submitted.
Phone or telehealth appointments
If your doctor bulk bills your consultation, you may receive a consent request after your appointment via:
- the HotDoc app
- SMS
- email.
Please complete the request as soon as possible so we can process your Medicare claim promptly.
What if I don’t use HotDoc, SMS or email?
If you do not have a mobile phone or email address, or you are unable to complete the electronic consent, please let our reception team know.
During the transition period, verbal consent may still be available. If this is not suitable, we will arrange another way for you to complete the consent.
Can someone else provide consent for me?
Yes. In some circumstances, an appropriate person may provide consent on your behalf. This may include:
- a parent or guardian
- a carer
- someone with Power of Attorney
- another person legally or appropriately responsible for your care.
What if I don’t agree to assign my Medicare benefit?
If your doctor intends to bulk bill your consultation and you choose not to assign your Medicare benefit, the consultation cannot be bulk billed.
Instead, you will be privately billed and provided with an invoice so you can claim your Medicare rebate directly from Services Australia.
What do I need to do?
For privately billed appointments, no action is required.
If your bulk-billed phone or telehealth consultation requires consent, please complete any consent request sent to you via SMS, email or the HotDoc app.
We also recommend ensuring your mobile number and email address are up to date so we can send consent requests and other important appointment information when required.
If you have any questions or need assistance completing your consent, please contact Brook Medical Centre on (02) 6543 1222.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support.