Sunbury residents are being urged to petition for a Medicare office in the town.
But with growing numbers of people claiming rebates electronically at doctors’ surgeries and a subsequent drop in face-to-face services, the federal Health Department says it has no plans to open new offices.
Petitioners say that with close to 74,000 people living in Sunbury and the Macedon Ranges, it’s time the area had its own Medicare office to give easy access to people using public health services.
The petition was circulated at last month’s SunFest.
Hume councillors Jack Ogilvie and Jack Medcraft and the Liberal candidate for the federal seat of McEwen, Chris Jermyn, were among those getting on board.
Mr Jermyn said people were sick of making a one-hour return trip to collect rebates.
‘‘People have made it very clear they’re sick and tired of driving to Airport West to access essential Medicare services,’’ he said, promising to work with the government to get a Medicare office for the town.
CR JACK OGILVIE. PICTURE: MATT FURNEAUX
‘‘Sunbury has been completely ignored.’’
Human Services Department general manager Hank Jongen said population size and growth, changes in public transport and proximity to existing services were factors in the department recommending new services.
But in line with falling demand, no new Medicare offices had been opened nationally last year, he said.
‘‘While we appreciate community feedback, the department has no plans to establish Medicare face-to-face services in Sunbury. There has been a significant change in the way customers choose to claim their Medicare rebate.’’
Mr Jongen said more than 96 per cent of all Medicare claims nationally were being lodged electronically at the point of service.
‘‘We encourage Sunbury residents to claim routine Medicare rebate items straight from their doctor’s surgery,’’ he said. ‘‘This is the fastest and easiest way.’’
Digital services are also available through my.gov.au, the department’s smartphone apps and its Evans Street service centre.
The petition will be available from a Liberal campaign centre being set up in the Target centre.
Click here for details.
