Bega Medicare, Centrelink services available under one roof

Minister for Human Services Senator Marise Payne said Bega will join more than 160 communities around the country that can access Medicare and Centrelink services under the one roof.

 “All staff and services from the Medicare shopfront will move around 250 metres into the new Bega One-stop Shop at 49-61 Church St in Bega,” Senator Payne said.

“Department staff from both offices are dedicated people who will soon be working side-by-side to serve the Bega community.  

“This is the right time for this move, with demand for face-to-face Medicare services reducing nationwide as people take advantage of other claiming options, like claiming at the doctor’s surgery, or using online services.

 “Last financial year, more than 85 per cent of all patient claims for GP services were lodged electronically at the doctor’s practice.

“There are now 26 medical practices in Bega where you can claim Medicare directly, which means that for many people, there is no need to visit a Medicare office on a regular basis.”

Federal Member for Eden-Monaro Peter Hendy said providing access to a range of services in one place has multiple benefits for the community.

“Expert staff at the new Bega One-stop Shop can help customers access more convenient options, like online services, and Express Plus mobile apps, which means they can manage their business anywhere, at any time,” Dr Hendy said.

“This will save people a lot of time, as they can easily do things like updating their contact details, reporting and recording their income and submitting documents, all from the palm of their hand.

“However, local staff will still be here to provide face-to-face services to those who need more personal or intensive support, all in one convenient location.”