From 1 July 2026, changes to the Medicare Assignment of Benefit (AoB) process will come into effect across Australia.
What is Assignment of Benefit?
Assignment of Benefit is the process that allows Medicare to pay your Medicare benefit directly to your healthcare provider when you are bulk billed. This means you do not need to pay for your consultation and claim the rebate yourself.
What is Changing?
Patients will now have the option to provide their consent digitally using a secure SMS link sent to their mobile phone. This digital form replaces the need for paper forms in many situations and helps streamline the check-in and billing process.
You may be asked to complete the Assignment of Benefit form:
- Before your appointment
- During your appointment
- After your appointment
Paper forms will still be available for patients who prefer not to use digital consent.
Why is This Important?
To be bulk billed, Medicare requires patients to assign their benefit to the medical practice. If consent is not provided, Medicare cannot process the bulk billing claim and private fees may apply.
Why Are These Changes Being Introduced?
The Australian Government is modernising the Assignment of Benefit process to improve efficiency, reduce paperwork and support the increasing use of digital healthcare services.
Learn More
For more information about these changes, please speak with our reception team or visit the Australian Government Department of Health website:
https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/improving-the-assignment-of-benefit-process