Medicare Australia

This article is about the Australian Government agency. For the Australian universal healthcare scheme, see Medicare (Australia).
Medicare Australia
Agency overview
Formed 1 October 2005
Preceding Agency Health Insurance Commission
Jurisdiction Government of Australia
Annual budget A$856.6 million (2009/10)
Agency executives Catherine Argall, Chief Executive Officer
Joanna Davidson, Deputy Chief Executive Officer
Philippa Godwin, Deputy Chief Executive Officer
Parent agency Department of Human Services
Website www.medicareaustralia.gov.au

Medicare is one of the Master Programs of the Australian Government Department of Human Services. It administers health-related programs including Medicare, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), and others. 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). Prior to 1 October 2005, Medicare Australia was known as the Health Insurance Commission (HIC).

The National Office of Medicare Australia is located in Canberra, and is responsible for policy and program development. Medicare Australia also has many branch offices across Australia, usually located in retail centres. These are responsible for processing payments and claims from members of the public.

Programs administered

Medicare Australia administers various health-related programs in partnership with the Department of Health and Ageing. As of 2007, these programs included:

External links