Health matters
There are a number of benefits and services to help you with your healthcare needs.
Who does this information apply to?
This applies to people who:
- are enrolled in the Medicare program
- live with a chronic medical condition
- have a hearing or speech impediment
Financial support
There is support available to assist with the cost of healthcare.
Medicare program
The Medicare program ensures all Australians have access to free or low-cost medical, optical and hospital care. It allows you to claim benefits for eligible healthcare services.
Chronic medical condition
People who live with a chronic medical condition (a condition that has been, or is likely to be, present for at least six months) and need more than one health provider can get a Chronic Disease Management Plan from their general practitioner. You can then claim specific items for allied health services.
You may also be eligible to claim on your dental care costs under the Medicare chronic disease dental scheme and the Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate Scheme.
Support services
In addition to financial support, other services available to support you.
Hearing or speech impediment
The National Relay Service is a free telephone service that makes it easier for you to contact us over the phone if you have a hearing or speech impediment. A Relay Officer acts as the central communication point between the Human Services Portfolio and you.
Compensation recovery
Receiving a lump sum payment in compensation may affect your Centrelink and Medicare entitlements. Centrelink and Medicare have recovery programs that help you calculate how you will be affected.
Mental health
Nearly one in three Australians will experience a mental illness at some stage in their lives.
The Department of Human Services supports the National Mental Health reform and provides services sensitively to customers who have mental health issues. The department provides a range of services to help vulnerable customers including those with mental health issues. In particular, this includes wrap-around services like case coordination and the Local Connections to Work program, where our staff engage directly with customers to navigate the complex barriers to wellbeing, education and employment.
Our various officers and programs are also aware of complex health issues, including mental health.
The department has invested and will continue to invest significant effort in improving service delivery to these customers.
More information
World Federation for Mental Health
World Mental Health Day (Oct 10)
Department of Health and Ageing website - Delivering National Mental Health Reform
Mental health and wellbeing website - Mental health in Australia