Media Release
Business as usual for teens’ access to Smartcard
27 February 2007
The Minister for Human Services, Senator Ian Campbell, has reinforced that people under 18 will have the same access to health benefits under the new smartcard as they do under the current Medicare system.
In response to concerns about legislation before the Parliament underpinning the new smartcard, Senator Campbell said there would be no changes to the existing Medicare policy which outlines access to benefits for people under 18.
“I want to ensure that it is clearly understood that the introduction of the smartcard does not change anyone’s eligibility to receive Australian Government health and social services. This includes anyone under the age of 18 who wants their own card, regardless of whether or not they have a card now.”
“This is very much business as usual,” he said.
“Currently young people who need to have a separate Medicare card can have one. For example a student at boarding school or a young person living with a grandparent will be able to get a card and will not have to ask for their parents’ permission.” The Bill before the Parliament provides for the issuing of written policy statements setting out the Australian Government’s administration of the Bill.
The guidelines setting out that policy for people under 18 are attached and will not change.
Media Contact: Rob Broadfield on 02 6277 7200 or 0409 493 902 Regina Titelius on 08 9421 1755 or 0419 099 324
Criteria for people under 18 years of age applying for their own Access card
- A person 15 years and over will be issued with his or her own access card if they apply.
- A person under 15 years may be issued with his or her own access card, if eligible for Medicare, with the consent of a parent or guardian.
- A person under 15 years may be issued with his or her own access card, if eligible for Medicare, without the consent of a parent or guardian where: a. The person is homeless; b. The person is in foster care or a ward of the state; c. Other personal circumstances of the person warrants the issue of his or her own card; or d. The person is in receipt of, or entitled to receive, Commonwealth payments or pensions in their own right.
- In considering cases covered by (3) (a, b and c) documentation supporting the person’s circumstances is required. The people who can provide supporting documentation for this purpose include: a. Teachers; b. Social workers; c. Ministers of religion; d. Youth refuge workers; e. Medical Practitioners f. Police; g. Members of the legal profession; or h. Organisations – welfare, religious or charitable.
- A person who is under 18 may be issued with an Access card if they are entitled to a Veterans’ Affairs gold card in their own right.