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Assignment of Benefit Medicare
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Major changes to the Medicare Assignment of Benefit (AoB) process take effect on 1 July 2026. The primary shift requires all bulk-billed and simplified billing services to have explicit, verifiable patient consent (either digital or physical) prior to an MBS claim being lodged.
Modernising this process aims to:
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make it easier for healthcare providers to file accurate Medicare claims
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increase the use of electronic signatures
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improve automation and integration with practice and hospital software
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safeguard the integrity of Medicare payments
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improve record keeping
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enhance patient awareness and improving the experience of bulk billing and simplified billing
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digitise and automate manual and paper-based processes.
About AOB
At Classic Way Family Practice, we are proud to bulk bill eligible Medicare patients for standard Medicare-covered consultations.
When your consultation is bulk billed, Medicare pays your Medicare rebate directly to your doctor instead of paying it to you. This process is called Assignment of Benefit.
Medicare Assignment of Benefit – What Patients Need to Know
What is an Assignment of Benefit?
An Assignment of Benefit is a Medicare agreement that confirms you allow your Medicare benefit to be paid directly to your doctor or healthcare provider.
This is what allows your consultation to be processed as a bulk-billed service, meaning there is no out-of-pocket fee for eligible standard Medicare-covered consultations.
What is changing from 1 July 2026?
From 1 July 2026, the Assignment of Benefit process is becoming more digital and secure.
Patients may receive an Assignment of Benefit request electronically, usually by SMS or email. You may be able to complete the form on your own device before, during, or after your consultation.
Paper forms will still be available for patients who prefer this option or who are unable to complete the form electronically.
Do I need to complete this form every time?
Yes. An Assignment of Benefit is required for each bulk-billed consultation.
Sometimes the form may be completed before your appointment. In some cases, if the Medicare service provided is different from what was expected, a new form may need to be completed after your consultation.
What happens if I do not complete the form?
To be bulk billed, the Assignment of Benefit must be completed.
If the form is not completed, the consultation cannot be processed as a bulk-billed Medicare claim. In this situation, a private fee may apply.
What should I do after seeing the doctor?
Please see reception before you leave after your consultation.
Our reception team will make sure your Medicare details, Assignment of Benefit form and billing process are completed correctly.
Is my information kept securely?
Yes. Completed Assignment of Benefit records are kept securely as part of the Medicare billing record. These records are required to be retained for compliance and audit purposes.
Helpful links
For more information, you can read:
https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/improving-the-assignment-of-benefit-process
https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/assignment-benefit-for-bulk-bill-claims?context=20
If you have any questions, please speak with our friendly reception team.
How is it practically implemented in our practice.
At Classic Way Family Practice, we aim to keep bulk billing simple and smooth for our patients.
For every bulk-billed consultation, Medicare requires an Assignment of Benefit form to be completed. This form confirms that you agree for your Medicare rebate to be paid directly to your doctor. This is what allows your consultation to be bulk billed.
In most cases, we will send the Assignment of Benefit form electronically using our online form system, such as HotDoc.
You may receive a secure link by SMS or email before your appointment, on the day of your appointment, or after your consultation. You can open the link on your phone and complete the form electronically.
The form may be completed:
Before your consultation
During your visit
After your consultation
Sometimes the form can be completed before you see the doctor. However, if the Medicare item number or type of consultation changes after the doctor sees you, we may need you to complete the form after the consultation instead.
For this reason, we kindly ask all patients to see reception before leaving the practice.
If you are unable to complete the form electronically, do not have access to your phone, have difficulty with SMS or email, or simply prefer a paper form, our reception team can provide a paper Assignment of Benefit form for you to sign at the clinic.
