BUSINESS AS USUAL FOR TEENS’ ACCESS TO SMARTCARD
The Member for Berowra, Philip Ruddock MP, has stated that people in his electorate of Berowra under 18 will have the same access to health benefits under the new smartcard as they do under the current Medicare system.
“The Federal government wants to ensure that it is clearly understood that the introduction of the smartcard does not change anyone’s eligibility to receive Australian Government health and social services,” Mr Ruddock said.
”This includes anyone under the age of 18 who wants their own card, regardless of whether or not they have a card now.”
“Currently young people who need to have a separate Medicare card can have one. For example a student at boarding school or a young person living with a grandparent will be able to get a card and will not have to ask for their parents’ permission.”
The Bill before the Parliament provides for the issuing of written policy statements setting out the Australian Government’s administration of the Bill.
The guidelines setting out that policy for people under 18 are attached and will not change.