Medicare branch to close on weekends

Department of Human Services general manager Hank Jongen said the closure of the one-stop shop in Cannington reflected a continuing reduction in demand for weekend opening hours.

‘We started winding back Saturday opening hours at Medicare in April last year because of a big drop in demand,’ he said.

‘Overall, average walk-ins have reduced by almost 60 per cent over the last two years.

‘People now have lots of different claiming options, which allow them to do their Medicare business without having to queue up at their local office.

‘A growing number of GPs now offer electronic claiming, meaning your rebate gets transferred straight into your bank account from your doctor’s office, which is the easiest option for people working during the week.

‘Alternatively there’s a suite of Medicare self-service options that allow you to claim over the phone, online or by downloading the Express Plus Medicare app.’