No cash at Medicare

MEDICARE Ballina will pay rebates straight into bank accounts from June 25.

Department of Human Services general manager Hank Jongen said claims would be made by Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) or by swiping a debit card.

There are several electronic payment options available to people claiming Medicare benefits.

People can register their bank account details with Medicare and claim using EFT, where benefits will usually be deposited into their bank account the next business day.

Or, where people need immediate payment, they can swipe their debit card and payment will be instantly deposited into their bank account via credit EFTPOS.

People can also use Medicare online and phone services (132 011) to complete their claim. Both of these are available 24 hours, seven days a week.

For more information on options for claiming Medicare benefits, visit humanservices. gov.au/medicare