The Australian Government has introduced a 12-month transition period – commencing 1 July 2026 – for primary care providers to move to new arrangements for the assignment of Medicare benefits for bulk billed patients.
Under the revised process, patients will need to provide a digital or physical signature to consent for their general practice or allied health provider to be directly paid the benefit from the Medicare Benefits Scheme (MBS).
Patients registered with MyMedicare; residents of aged care homes; and patients of Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) and Aboriginal Medical Services (AMSs) can make an enduring assignment of benefit (AoB) for ongoing GP bulk billed services either directly or through a person acting on their behalf.
On this page
WVPHN support and guidance for health providers
Western Victoria Primary Health Network is developing and publishing resources on this page during the transition period to help health practices with the transition process and prepare for compliance with the new AoB arrangements.
Identifying patients whose mobile numbers and/or email addresses are missing from your database
If you would like other guidance on how to prepare for the changes including implementing new workflows and processes for your practice, please refer to our Help Desk to contact your Primary Care Engagement Officer.
National resources for providers
Support
If you have any questions relating to Assignment of Benefit, please contact our Primary Care Engagement Officers.
Email: qi@westvicphn.com.au
Phone: 1300 176 271