Media Release
Compliance is everybody’s business
8 August 2007
The public release of Medicare Australia’s 2007-08 National Compliance Program sends a clear message that the Australian Government takes compliance with health programs seriously.
Launching the program today, Human Services Minister Chris Ellison said all Australians need to have confidence that government programs are not being exploited and should be assured that Medicare’s compliance activities are highly effective in ensuring accountability.
“Last year, the National Compliance Program enabled Medicare Australia to achieve program savings of $250 million, through changes to the claiming and prescribing behaviour of providers,” the Minister said.
“In 2007-08, Medicare Australia will pay benefits of almost $30 billion to the public and health care providers on behalf of the Australian Government. Medicare therefore has a responsibility to taxpayers to ensure the correct health benefits are paid – no more and no less,” Senator Ellison said.
“Education and support for health care providers is absolutely critical to addressing non-compliance, which is why it is a primary focus of this year’s National Compliance Program.
“Over the next twelve months, my agency will educate almost 4000 new health care providers on how to correctly use Medicare and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. Established health care providers will also be supported, through phone and online access to Medicare Australia’s professional advisers.”
There will also be checks on whether particular items are correctly used - with a focus on those relating to home medicine reviews, allied health services, dental health services and urgent after-hours care.
Senator Ellison said Medicare Australia acknowledges that mistakes can be made and where honest errors occur, health care providers will be given a fair opportunity to explain or rectify their mistake.
“Unfortunately, there will always be a small few who will deliberately set out to rort the system,” the Minister said.
“Medicare Australia will continue to examine all instances of fraud or criminal behaviour and, when appropriate, rigorously investigate with a view to criminal prosecution.”
The National Compliance Program allows Medicare Australia to improve the integrity of health payments through education, two-way communication with stakeholders and active compliance. It can be obtained from Medicare Australia’s website, and includes details of how health care providers and members of the public can obtain further information and assistance.
Media Contact: Michael Barrett – (02) 6277 7200 or 0419 424 359.