CANBERRA, Australia — Services Australia is urging almost one million Australians to log into their myGov accounts and update their bank details, warning that $272 million in Medicare rebates remains unclaimed due to outdated or missing payment information.

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The federal agency revealed Saturday that 972,300 people who visited doctors or received other Medicare-eligible services have not received their rebates because their bank details are not correctly registered or are out of date. The average amount owed per person is around $275, though some individuals are entitled to hundreds or even thousands of dollars, with more than 300 Australians each due $10,000 or more.

The unclaimed pool has grown steadily, rising from about $230 million in late 2023 to the current $272 million figure. Services Australia General Manager Hank Jongen emphasized that the money belongs to patients who have already paid out-of-pocket for medical services and are entitled to the government rebate under the Medicare system.

"Many people simply haven't updated their bank details after changing accounts, moving house or for other reasons," Jongen said. "Once the correct details are linked, the rebates can be paid automatically, often within days."

The issue affects patients nationwide who have used Medicare for GP visits, specialist consultations, diagnostic tests and other covered services but whose rebates are sitting in limbo. State breakdowns show New South Wales accounts for the largest share at around $85 million, followed by Victoria ($67 million), Queensland ($54 million), Western Australia ($32 million), South Australia ($20 million) and Tasmania ($5 million), with smaller amounts in the Northern Territory and Australian Capital Territory.

This latest appeal comes amid broader government efforts to reunite Australians with unclaimed funds across multiple categories. While Medicare rebates represent one pool, billions more sit in lost superannuation accounts managed by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and unclaimed money held by state revenue offices and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).

Services Australia stressed that claiming the Medicare money is straightforward for most people. Those with a myGov account linked to Medicare can log in, navigate to the Medicare section and follow prompts to verify or update bank details. The process typically takes just a few minutes. Once updated, any outstanding rebates should be deposited automatically, often within three business days.

Individuals without a myGov account or those experiencing access issues are encouraged to contact Services Australia directly by phone or visit a service centre. The agency has ramped up notifications through myGov messages and is working with health providers to raise awareness during patient visits.

The problem stems from the high volume of Medicare transactions — the scheme pays out nearly $28 billion annually in benefits — combined with everyday life changes that cause bank details to become outdated. Roughly 0.8% to 1% of rebates have historically gone unclaimed for this reason, accumulating over time into a significant sum.

Experts say the issue highlights the importance of regularly reviewing government-linked financial details, especially after major life events such as changing banks, relocating or updating contact information. Younger Australians and those who move frequently for work or study appear disproportionately affected.

Financial counsellors note that even modest rebates can provide welcome relief amid cost-of-living pressures. For some families, accumulated unclaimed amounts from multiple doctor visits over months or years can add up to hundreds of dollars that could help with household expenses, medications or other needs.

The campaign also serves as a timely reminder for Australians to check other potential unclaimed entitlements. The ATO continues efforts to reunite people with lost superannuation, where more than $21 billion sits in approximately 7.3 million inactive or unclaimed accounts. Since July 2025, the ATO has successfully returned around $600 million to about 360,000 individuals.

State governments hold additional billions in unclaimed money from sources such as forgotten bank accounts, share dividends, insurance payouts and trust funds. Revenue NSW, for example, has highlighted nearly $300 million available for claim in that state alone.

Services Australia and the ATO recommend that all Australians take a few minutes periodically to review their myGov dashboard, which links to Medicare, Centrelink, the ATO and other services. Consolidating accounts and ensuring current contact and banking information is on file can prevent future missed payments across multiple government programs.

For Medicare specifically, patients should ensure their Medicare card remains current and that they present it at every eligible appointment. Bulk-billing arrangements mean many services incur no upfront cost, but where gap fees apply, the rebate is crucial for partial reimbursement.

Health advocates welcomed the renewed push, noting that unclaimed rebates can particularly affect vulnerable groups, including older Australians, low-income families and recent migrants who may be less familiar with digital government services.

The agency has not set a deadline for claiming the funds, but officials encourage prompt action to avoid any administrative complications that could arise over extended periods.

As cost-of-living concerns persist, the message from Services Australia is clear: the $272 million belongs to patients and is ready to be returned with minimal effort. A quick login to myGov could put unexpected money back into household budgets.

Those unsure about their eligibility or needing assistance can call the Services Australia Medicare line or visit servicesaustralia.gov.au for guidance. The agency continues to process claims efficiently once correct bank details are provided.

In a broader context of government efforts to return unclaimed funds, this Medicare initiative underscores how small oversights in personal record-keeping can lead to significant collective amounts left unclaimed. Australians are encouraged to treat myGov as a central hub for managing entitlements and to review linked services regularly.

With the process simplified through digital access, Services Australia hopes the latest awareness campaign will significantly reduce the unclaimed Medicare pool in coming months and ensure more patients receive the financial support they are entitled to after seeking medical care.