$247 million in unpaid Medicare benefits: How to see if you’re affected and claim

One simple error has stopped nearly one million Australians from receiving Medicare benefits. Find out if you’re entitled to receive a payment and how to get hold of it.

Medicare has revealed it owes Australians hundreds of millions of dollars in unpaid benefits, but there’s one small issue stopping them from paying the money out.

“That’s about $247 million in benefits Medicare wants to pay out to you, but can’t because we don’t know where to send the money,” it announced in a social media video on Monday.

Here’s what you need to know.

HOW MANY AUSTRALIANS ARE OWED?

Nearly one million Australians are entitled to unpaid benefits.

People aged 18-24 are owed the most, with about $54 million earmarked for people in this bracket, however, the entitlements span a wide range of ages and walks of life.

HOW DO YOU FIND OUT IF YOU HAVE MONEY OWING?

Nearly one million Australians are owed money for unpaid benefits. Picture: Services Australia

Make sure your bank details are registered with Medicare and that they’re up to date. To do this, you’ll need to log into your MyGov account (or create one on the MyGov website), click on the link to Medicare, then look for a notification asking you to update your bank details.

You’ll need to make sure you include the BSB, account number and account name.

Bank details can be added online, via the app, by visiting Services Australia centre (find the closest one to you on the Services Australia website) or by calling Medicare on 132 011.

Find out more information about how to claim your money on the Services Australia website.

HOW WILL THE BENEFITS BE PAID OUT?

Medicare will never ask you to reveal personal details via text or email. Picture: Supplied

Once your bank details are up to date, Medicare will automatically send any outstanding amount you’re owed within three business days.

Medicare will also deposit any future benefits you’re entitled to directly to this account, once your claims are assessed and approved.

HOW DO YOU KNOW IT’S NOT A SCAM?

Scammers frequently pretend to be Medicare of MyGov, but there are a few ways you can make sure you’re protecting yourself from online criminals.

The best way is to log in to the secure my.gov.au website, which is password protected and uses two-factor authentication to ensure your personal information is safe.

On top of that, official government sources will never ask you to click on a link in a text message or share personal details via text message or email.