About Medicare
We get it - the Medicare rebate system is complex and difficult to wrap your head around!
In fact, we get it so much that we have made a free HOW TO GUIDE just for you.
This guide explains:
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The Medicare rebate system (also known as the Better Access to Mental Health Care scheme)
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How many rebated sessions you are entitled to each calendar year
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Easy steps for how to obtain the Medicare rebate for your psychology sessions
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What you need to know before you sign up for a Mental Health Care Plan (spoiler: you need to be comfortable with a recorded diagnosis!)
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Answers to your frequently asked questions.
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If you're still confused after reading the guide, or have specific questions we haven't answered, don't hesitate to reach out to us.
Do I need a referral?
No! You do not need a referral to access services at Tender Studio Psychology.
However, without a referral under a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP or Psychiatrist, you will be responsible for paying the full fee for each session. If you have a Mental Health Care Plan in place, effective as of 1st July 2024 the Medicare rebate for a standard 50-minute psychology session is $96.65.
The number of rebated sessions you are eligible for is determined in consultation with your referring GP - up to a maximum of 10 sessions per calendar year for 2024.
So, whilst you don't require a Mental Health Care Plan to receive psychological treatment, it does turn out to be cheaper for you in the long run!
How do I claim the rebate?
For your ease, Tender Studio Psychology is able to automatically process Medicare rebates for free using our secure practice management software, Halaxy, with Medicare paying the rebate into your account within 2 days.
This means that you do not have to go to the trouble of processing your Medicare rebate claim yourself (a tiresome process, in our humble opinion).
If you would like Tender Studio Psychology to submit your claims for each session, please ensure your Medicare card details and bank details are submitted at intake.
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If you’d like to claim a rebate through Medicare you’ll first need to see your GP for a letter of referral and a Mental Health Care Plan. Just bringing a copy of the MHCP alone is not sufficient to claim the Medicare rebate, so please ensure you also have the referral letter.