The Australian Government Department of Human Services is bringing Medicare and Centrelink services together under the same roof in Mayfield.
The Kotara Medicare will relocate to the Mayfield Service Centre to create a one-stop shop from Monday 6 July 2015.
Department of Human Services General Manager Hank Jongen said almost 190 communities around Australia now have access to the department’s one-stop shops.
“Moving Medicare services to Mayfield will make accessing government services easier for local residents, as both Medicare and Centrelink will be available under 1 roof,” Mr Jongen said.
Mr Jongen said new Medicare claiming options introduced in recent years have resulted in a reduction in the number of people visiting the Kotara Medicare Service Centre.
“There has been a marked decline in the number of people claiming their Medicare rebate in our service centres since we moved away from cash rebates in 2012, and because most doctors now offer patients the ability to claim their rebate right from the surgery,” Mr Jongen said.
“Nationally, more than 95% of all Medicare claims are now lodged at the point of service. In Kotara the number of people visiting the service centre has reduced by almost 60% over the past 2 years.
“While the best way to claim your Medicare benefit is at your doctor’s surgery, I also encourage local residents to check out the range of digital services available through myGov and the Department of Human Services Express Plus apps.
“These options allow people to do their routine government business where and when it suits them.
“However, rest assured, staff will always be available to provide face-to-face services to people who require more intensive or personalised support.”
The Mayfield Service Centre is located at 188-194 Maitland Road and is open Monday to Friday, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
