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Medicare - Registration Problems
Hi all,
I though I'd share with you the problems I am experiencing in registering with Medicare, just so that you may be forewarned. I went in this morning to try and register and was told that the documents I had 'were not the right ones'. I took my passport with my visa, my contract from my job, my TFN advice letter and my local bank cards, as it suggests on the Medicare web site. The (unhelpful) bloke behind the desk said that I needed more ID to prove that I was actually living here. Now, as I am in a shared house, and have only been here 10 weeks, I don't have any bills with my name and address on. I havn't received any bank statements yet and my credit card hasn't been approved yet. So at the mnoment I'm really struggling with this. Has anybody else found this? They gave me a really 'useful' sheet, and they are asking for things like letters form my previous employer stating that I have left, evidence of the sale of my UK property, customs documents relating to importing my possessions or evidence of closure of UK banking facilities. They also suggested that I could get a letter from the British High Commission stating that I have left the UK! I can imagine how easy that will be to get hold of... Part of the problem is that I opened my bank account before I arrived, so don't have any documentation of having opened one after arrival. It seems that the system is heavily loaded against the independent traveller who comes with a couple of suitcases, then stays in shared accommodation. Problem is that I could really do with going to see the Doctor, as I have had strange stomacg pains for the last 2 weeks, and they don't show any signs of going away... Any suggestions? S |
Re: Medicare - Registration Problems
Originally Posted by Swerv-o
Hi all,
I though I'd share with you the problems I am experiencing in registering with Medicare, just so that you may be forewarned. I went in this morning to try and register and was told that the documents I had 'were not the right ones'. I took my passport with my visa, my contract from my job, my TFN advice letter and my local bank cards, as it suggests on the Medicare web site. The (unhelpful) bloke behind the desk said that I needed more ID to prove that I was actually living here. Now, as I am in a shared house, and have only been here 10 weeks, I don't have any bills with my name and address on. I havn't received any bank statements yet and my credit card hasn't been approved yet. So at the mnoment I'm really struggling with this. Has anybody else found this? They gave me a really 'useful' sheet, and they are asking for things like letters form my previous employer stating that I have left, evidence of the sale of my UK property, customs documents relating to importing my possessions or evidence of closure of UK banking facilities. They also suggested that I could get a letter from the British High Commission stating that I have left the UK! I can imagine how easy that will be to get hold of... Part of the problem is that I opened my bank account before I arrived, so don't have any documentation of having opened one after arrival. It seems that the system is heavily loaded against the independent traveller who comes with a couple of suitcases, then stays in shared accommodation. Problem is that I could really do with going to see the Doctor, as I have had strange stomacg pains for the last 2 weeks, and they don't show any signs of going away... Any suggestions? S Good luck ,and i hope you feel better soon :) fee x |
Re: Medicare - Registration Problems
Originally Posted by Swerv-o
Hi all,
I though I'd share with you the problems I am experiencing in registering with Medicare, just so that you may be forewarned. I went in this morning to try and register and was told that the documents I had 'were not the right ones'. I took my passport with my visa, my contract from my job, my TFN advice letter and my local bank cards, as it suggests on the Medicare web site. The (unhelpful) bloke behind the desk said that I needed more ID to prove that I was actually living here. Now, as I am in a shared house, and have only been here 10 weeks, I don't have any bills with my name and address on. I havn't received any bank statements yet and my credit card hasn't been approved yet. So at the mnoment I'm really struggling with this. Has anybody else found this? They gave me a really 'useful' sheet, and they are asking for things like letters form my previous employer stating that I have left, evidence of the sale of my UK property, customs documents relating to importing my possessions or evidence of closure of UK banking facilities. They also suggested that I could get a letter from the British High Commission stating that I have left the UK! I can imagine how easy that will be to get hold of... Part of the problem is that I opened my bank account before I arrived, so don't have any documentation of having opened one after arrival. It seems that the system is heavily loaded against the independent traveller who comes with a couple of suitcases, then stays in shared accommodation. Problem is that I could really do with going to see the Doctor, as I have had strange stomacg pains for the last 2 weeks, and they don't show any signs of going away... Any suggestions? S That sounds like a nightmare!!. When we went, all I had to show was our passports :confused: It took about 20 minutes for us to get registered. Maybe you got someone who is new and doesn't know the procedure?, I'd go back and ask to speak to a manager or supervisor, or go to a different office if there is one near you. We opened our bank account before we arrived too. I hope you get it sorted out :) |
Re: Medicare - Registration Problems
Originally Posted by Swerv-o
Hi all,
I though I'd share with you the problems I am experiencing in registering with Medicare, just so that you may be forewarned. I went in this morning to try and register and was told that the documents I had 'were not the right ones'. I took my passport with my visa, my contract from my job, my TFN advice letter and my local bank cards, as it suggests on the Medicare web site. The (unhelpful) bloke behind the desk said that I needed more ID to prove that I was actually living here. Now, as I am in a shared house, and have only been here 10 weeks, I don't have any bills with my name and address on. I havn't received any bank statements yet and my credit card hasn't been approved yet. So at the mnoment I'm really struggling with this. Has anybody else found this? They gave me a really 'useful' sheet, and they are asking for things like letters form my previous employer stating that I have left, evidence of the sale of my UK property, customs documents relating to importing my possessions or evidence of closure of UK banking facilities. They also suggested that I could get a letter from the British High Commission stating that I have left the UK! I can imagine how easy that will be to get hold of... Part of the problem is that I opened my bank account before I arrived, so don't have any documentation of having opened one after arrival. It seems that the system is heavily loaded against the independent traveller who comes with a couple of suitcases, then stays in shared accommodation. Problem is that I could really do with going to see the Doctor, as I have had strange stomacg pains for the last 2 weeks, and they don't show any signs of going away... Any suggestions? S I hope someone else has some other good suggestions... good luck! Suzi |
Re: Medicare - Registration Problems
Originally Posted by Swerv-o
Hi all,
I though I'd share with you the problems I am experiencing in registering with Medicare, just so that you may be forewarned. I went in this morning to try and register and was told that the documents I had 'were not the right ones'. I took my passport with my visa, my contract from my job, my TFN advice letter and my local bank cards, as it suggests on the Medicare web site. The (unhelpful) bloke behind the desk said that I needed more ID to prove that I was actually living here. Now, as I am in a shared house, and have only been here 10 weeks, I don't have any bills with my name and address on. I havn't received any bank statements yet and my credit card hasn't been approved yet. So at the mnoment I'm really struggling with this. Has anybody else found this? They gave me a really 'useful' sheet, and they are asking for things like letters form my previous employer stating that I have left, evidence of the sale of my UK property, customs documents relating to importing my possessions or evidence of closure of UK banking facilities. They also suggested that I could get a letter from the British High Commission stating that I have left the UK! I can imagine how easy that will be to get hold of... Part of the problem is that I opened my bank account before I arrived, so don't have any documentation of having opened one after arrival. It seems that the system is heavily loaded against the independent traveller who comes with a couple of suitcases, then stays in shared accommodation. Problem is that I could really do with going to see the Doctor, as I have had strange stomacg pains for the last 2 weeks, and they don't show any signs of going away... Any suggestions? S Good luck. Nicky |
Re: Medicare - Registration Problems
Originally Posted by Swerv-o
Hi all,
I though I'd share with you the problems I am experiencing in registering with Medicare, just so that you may be forewarned. I went in this morning to try and register and was told that the documents I had 'were not the right ones'. I took my passport with my visa, my contract from my job, my TFN advice letter and my local bank cards, as it suggests on the Medicare web site. The (unhelpful) bloke behind the desk said that I needed more ID to prove that I was actually living here. Now, as I am in a shared house, and have only been here 10 weeks, I don't have any bills with my name and address on. I havn't received any bank statements yet and my credit card hasn't been approved yet. So at the mnoment I'm really struggling with this. Has anybody else found this? Read this booklet, and try another office. If they are equally unreasonable, insist on speaking to a manager/supervisor: http://www.medicareaustralia.gov.au/...ligibility.pdf For future reference, you ought to know that the Parliamentary Ombudsman can call government departments and agencies to account for incompetent administration: http://www.ombudsman.gov.au/ |
Re: Medicare - Registration Problems
Originally Posted by JAJ
You don't need to prove residency in Australia if you are a new migrant. Your visa is enough.
Read this booklet, and try another office. If they are equally unreasonable, insist on speaking to a manager/supervisor: http://www.medicareaustralia.gov.au/...ligibility.pdf For future reference, you ought to know that the Parliamentary Ombudsman can call government departments and agencies to account for incompetent administration: http://www.ombudsman.gov.au/ I will print this off and take it with me. Thanks all for your supportive comments! S |
Re: Medicare - Registration Problems
Just to let you know, I've been to the quack, and she thinks that I have an inflamed bowel. Probably brought on by stress, and possibly combined with excessive alcohol consumption...
Ooops.... Anyway, I though I'd just remark on what an efficient and high quality service it was - 20 mins from walking in off of the street to prescription in hand, and all for $56, $31 of which are refundable. There was no faffing about registering, or filling in health questionairres, just straight in and straight to the doctor with barely chance to breathe. A 15 min consultation, where she took blood pressure and did other doctorly things. It was certainly a contrast to Doctors surgeries in the UK - probably wouldn't have been able to get an appointment until sometime next week. I think it's probably worth paying the money for that sort of convenience. I know there were times when I would have gladly paid over 25 pounds just to see the doc. Anyway, hopefully I'm not dying after all, and I have a months worth of pills, so that gives me a month to get Medicare sorted out. Thanks for your help, S |
Re: Medicare - Registration Problems
Originally Posted by Swerv-o
Just to let you know, I've been to the quack, and she thinks that I have an inflamed bowel. Probably brought on by stress, and possibly combined with excessive alcohol consumption...
Ooops.... Anyway, I though I'd just remark on what an efficient and high quality service it was - 20 mins from walking in off of the street to prescription in hand, and all for $56, $31 of which are refundable. There was no faffing about registering, or filling in health questionairres, just straight in and straight to the doctor with barely chance to breathe. A 15 min consultation, where she took blood pressure and did other doctorly things. It was certainly a contrast to Doctors surgeries in the UK - probably wouldn't have been able to get an appointment until sometime next week. I think it's probably worth paying the money for that sort of convenience. I know there were times when I would have gladly paid over 25 pounds just to see the doc. Anyway, hopefully I'm not dying after all, and I have a months worth of pills, so that gives me a month to get Medicare sorted out. Thanks for your help, S |
Re: Medicare - Registration Problems
Originally Posted by Wendy
I'm glad you got it sorted out. Now stay off the alcohol :D
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Re: Medicare - Registration Problems
Originally Posted by Swerv-o
Yes mum ;)
I'm glad it's you that can't drink and not me ;) :D |
Re: Medicare - Registration Problems
[QUOTE=Swerv-o]possibly combined with excessive alcohol consumption...
Is this the point where you sit there with your fingers in your ears going la la la la la I can't hear you :p ? Nicky :D |
Re: Medicare - Registration Problems
Originally Posted by Wendy
I'm glad it's you that can't drink and not me ;) :D
S |
Re: Medicare - Registration Problems
[QUOTE=NickyP]
Originally Posted by Swerv-o
possibly combined with excessive alcohol consumption...
Is this the point where you sit there with your fingers in your ears going la la la la la I can't hear you :p ? Nicky :D S |
Re: Medicare - Registration Problems
Originally Posted by Swerv-o
She only said cut down, not rule out. How about if I only drink at the weekends? :)
S Go for it :beer: :D |
Re: Medicare - Registration Problems
[QUOTE=Swerv-o]
Originally Posted by NickyP
Oh no, she was the most stunning Doctor I had ever met - it was hard not to hang on her every word, drooling like an imbecile... :D S Nicky |
Re: Medicare - Registration Problems
Originally Posted by Wendy
Go for it :beer: :D
Oh, hold on... I'll end up on the front page of the daily mail... S |
Re: Medicare - Registration Problems
Originally Posted by Swerv-o
Hmm. I have a plan. How about if I don't touch alcohol all week, then drink furiously at the weekend to make up for it...
It works for me :o |
Re: Medicare - Registration Problems
[QUOTE=NickyP]
Originally Posted by Swerv-o
I have only ever seen stunningly gorgeous doctors when in embarrassing positions. Why is it that the gynaecologists that you see when hugely pregnant and flat on your back in a hospital are gorgeous :rolleyes: Life can be so cruel ;)
Nicky S |
Re: Medicare - Registration Problems
[QUOTE=Swerv-o]
Originally Posted by NickyP
I agree. The Dr that did my meds was gorgeous too. It all got a bit hairy when it came to the hold and cough part... :scared: S Nicky |
Re: Medicare - Registration Problems
I registered with Medicare yesterday and it took 15 minutes. I took in my passport, employment contract and a letter from our removal company that proved we are shipping all of our possessions over. Apparently they need to see evidence that you are serious about permanently settling in Australia.
Remember that this country is obsessed with ID. I had an absolute nightmare here just buying a car because I had to produce loads of ID. mjj
Originally Posted by Swerv-o
Hi all,
I though I'd share with you the problems I am experiencing in registering with Medicare, just so that you may be forewarned. I went in this morning to try and register and was told that the documents I had 'were not the right ones'. I took my passport with my visa, my contract from my job, my TFN advice letter and my local bank cards, as it suggests on the Medicare web site. The (unhelpful) bloke behind the desk said that I needed more ID to prove that I was actually living here. Now, as I am in a shared house, and have only been here 10 weeks, I don't have any bills with my name and address on. I havn't received any bank statements yet and my credit card hasn't been approved yet. So at the mnoment I'm really struggling with this. Has anybody else found this? They gave me a really 'useful' sheet, and they are asking for things like letters form my previous employer stating that I have left, evidence of the sale of my UK property, customs documents relating to importing my possessions or evidence of closure of UK banking facilities. They also suggested that I could get a letter from the British High Commission stating that I have left the UK! I can imagine how easy that will be to get hold of... Part of the problem is that I opened my bank account before I arrived, so don't have any documentation of having opened one after arrival. It seems that the system is heavily loaded against the independent traveller who comes with a couple of suitcases, then stays in shared accommodation. Problem is that I could really do with going to see the Doctor, as I have had strange stomacg pains for the last 2 weeks, and they don't show any signs of going away... Any suggestions? S |
Re: Medicare - Registration Problems
Originally Posted by mjj
I registered with Medicare yesterday and it took 15 minutes. I took in my passport, employment contract and a letter from our removal company that proved we are shipping all of our possessions over. Apparently they need to see evidence that you are serious about permanently settling in Australia.
Remember that this country is obsessed with ID. I had an absolute nightmare here just buying a car because I had to produce loads of ID. mjj |
Re: Medicare - Registration Problems
Originally Posted by Pollyana
As Jeremy said earlier, all they really need is the passport and visa. If they insist on anything else you have a right to ask to speak to the supervisor. the only time there is likely to be a problem is within the first week after you land, because it takes a few days for the DIMA computer (which knows you have arrived) to link up with the Medicare one.
|
Re: Medicare - Registration Problems
Originally Posted by JAJ
If you are an Australian citizen returning from overseas, or a newly arrived New Zealander, then they normally do need to see proof you're living in Australia - not just visiting.
|
Re: Medicare - Registration Problems
when we first registered, we just showed our passports.
When we got our PR visas, a woman told me I had to complete a long form and provide various bits of paper. I ended up going to another office, they checked PR visa, and took my temp Medicare card....deed was done. It seems there is little consistency between offices. Ones in city centre are most used to new migrant arrivals. |
Re: Medicare - Registration Problems
Originally Posted by Swerv-o
Hmm. I have a plan. How about if I don't touch alcohol all week, then drink furiously at the weekend to make up for it.
S your proposed plan works for us ! :) |
Re: Medicare - Registration Problems
Our medicare card was a bit tricky because hubby decided it was going in his name - him being the "man of the house" and the Aussie citizen. Unfortunately for him they wouldn't do it because he couldn't prove where he lived and that he would be here permanently and they didn't have him on their computer. After the guy behind the desk trying all manner of permutations, I suggested it went in my name as I have a visa - done in five minutes :D
|
Re: Medicare - Registration Problems
We had problems getting a full medicare card when we applied for PR while being in Australia on a 457. I went in with printouts from Medicare's own website that said we were entitled to it etc but the person at the office - smack back in Sydney's CBD - refused to help us. We insisted on seeing a manager, who wouldn't see us but admitted we may be correct and they then agreed to send our details off to the head office who would make a decision about it.
Luck of the draw with Medicare offices... |
Re: Medicare - Registration Problems
Originally Posted by chels
We had problems getting a full medicare card when we applied for PR while being in Australia on a 457. I went in with printouts from Medicare's own website that said we were entitled to it etc but the person at the office - smack back in Sydney's CBD - refused to help us. We insisted on seeing a manager, who wouldn't see us but admitted we may be correct and they then agreed to send our details off to the head office who would make a decision about it.
Luck of the draw with Medicare offices... Well, I've been to see the quack now, and I have a months worth of pills. They sorted me out using the reciprocal agreement, so I only paid the Medicare price, not the full price. And it's just as well that I have a months worth, as the bank said that I would receive the statement with my address on in TEN working days time! Sense of urgency? Hmm... S |
Re: Medicare - Registration Problems
Originally Posted by Swerv-o
What a lottery.
Well, I've been to see the quack now, and I have a months worth of pills. They sorted me out using the reciprocal agreement, so I only paid the Medicare price, not the full price. And it's just as well that I have a months worth, as the bank said that I would receive the statement with my address on in TEN working days time! Sense of urgency? Hmm... S |
Re: Medicare - Registration Problems
Originally Posted by chels
How much was the prescription? Am I right in thinking that there isn't a standard prescription charge in Australia and it differs according to the medicine? or I have got that wrong?? Not needed any drugs yet thankfully
Havn't needed anything else either, so not sure. S |
Re: Medicare - Registration Problems
Originally Posted by mjj
I registered with Medicare yesterday and it took 15 minutes. I took in my passport, employment contract and a letter from our removal company that proved we are shipping all of our possessions over. Apparently they need to see evidence that you are serious about permanently settling in Australia.
Remember that this country is obsessed with ID. I had an absolute nightmare here just buying a car because I had to produce loads of ID. mjj |
Re: Medicare - Registration Problems
[QUOTE=Swerv-o]What a lottery.
Well, I've been to see the quack now, and I have a months worth of pills. They sorted me out using the reciprocal agreement, so I only paid the Medicare price, not the full price. And it's just as well that I have a months worth, as the bank said that I would receive the statement with my address on in TEN working days time! Sense of urgency? Hmmm... S[/QUO Great news, what a relief take it easy and relax :D |
Re: Medicare - Registration Problems
Originally Posted by JAJ
If you are an Australian citizen returning from overseas, or a newly arrived New Zealander, then they normally do need to see proof you're living in Australia - not just visiting.
|
Re: Medicare - Registration Problems
Originally Posted by Mysterio
I went to the bank to withdraw $3000 Being the dope I am I took no ID whats so ever :o apart from my bank card "FFS" I thought "what a Pratt", but after half a dozen questions they gave it me :D who needs ID
I need to show ID to send a small package, but don't need any to take money out... S |
Re: Medicare - Registration Problems
Hi All,
I just thought I'd quickly update you all on the ongoing Medicare registration saga. I went back today, with just about everything that I had in terms of paperwork, and I was finally able to do so. I took and needed to present the following documents: Passport with visa Letter form employer saying I was in full time employment My employment contract My bank statement/evidence of an Aus bank account The introductory letter from my super fund, stating that I had started it I also had to sign a written declaration to the effect that I wasn't intending to leave the country, and write a list of ways in which I had gone about making my stay here permanent! The woman was still a bit iffy with it all though - I think she thought that she was doing me a favour! I hope that helps any other would be Medicare registerees - forewarned is forearmed etc... S |
Re: Medicare - Registration Problems
Originally Posted by Swerv-o
Hi all,
I though I'd share with you the problems I am experiencing in registering with Medicare, just so that you may be forewarned. I went in this morning to try and register and was told that the documents I had 'were not the right ones'. I took my passport with my visa, my contract from my job, my TFN advice letter and my local bank cards, as it suggests on the Medicare web site. The (unhelpful) bloke behind the desk said that I needed more ID to prove that I was actually living here. Now, as I am in a shared house, and have only been here 10 weeks, I don't have any bills with my name and address on. I havn't received any bank statements yet and my credit card hasn't been approved yet. So at the mnoment I'm really struggling with this. Has anybody else found this? They gave me a really 'useful' sheet, and they are asking for things like letters form my previous employer stating that I have left, evidence of the sale of my UK property, customs documents relating to importing my possessions or evidence of closure of UK banking facilities. They also suggested that I could get a letter from the British High Commission stating that I have left the UK! I can imagine how easy that will be to get hold of... Part of the problem is that I opened my bank account before I arrived, so don't have any documentation of having opened one after arrival. It seems that the system is heavily loaded against the independent traveller who comes with a couple of suitcases, then stays in shared accommodation. Problem is that I could really do with going to see the Doctor, as I have had strange stomacg pains for the last 2 weeks, and they don't show any signs of going away... Any suggestions? S I can't think how you would get around it in your situation, out here nearly everything needs something with your name and Australian address on it. What about getting an Oz PO box? |
Re: Medicare - Registration Problems
Even we had the same issue, they needed a proof that we are commited to stay in australia, they have asked us for the following documents
1. Letter of employment from the current employer(that has the date of joining over here) 2. Relieving letter from the previous employer, (that we are no longer working over there) 3. Rental Agreement in Sydney( only my wife signed it as I had not arrived by then, so it was a problem with my medicare card) 4. Bank statement from the local bank with the address(ANZ charged 5$ for the statement) 5.TFN documents. The records between DIMIA and Medicare are not properly linked up, so in case they cant find your record, ask them to search with different cominations like lastname+firstname(no space) and other combinations etc, as we had circle round medicare 4 times before we go the temp cards |
Re: Medicare - Registration Problems
Originally Posted by Abhi
Even we had the same issue, they needed a proof that we are commited to stay in australia, they have asked us for the following documents
1. Letter of employment from the current employer(that has the date of joining over here) 2. Relieving letter from the previous employer, (that we are no longer working over there) 3. Rental Agreement in Sydney( only my wife signed it as I had not arrived by then, so it was a problem with my medicare card) 4. Bank statement from the local bank with the address(ANZ charged 5$ for the statement) 5.TFN documents. The records between DIMIA and Medicare are not properly linked up, so in case they cant find your record, ask them to search with different cominations like lastname+firstname(no space) and other combinations etc, as we had circle round medicare 4 times before we go the temp cards And they told me that my TFN document isn't acceptable as a piece of identification! I'm really starting to lose my rag with this 100 points of ID business. They make the acceptable items so restrictive, it can be really difficult... I don't know if any of you have had to go to the Post Office to have an ID check done - I needed to for my Virgin Credit Card - but the list that Virgin gave me of what is acceptable doesn't match the list the post office has!! Left hand meet Right hand - why don't you get together and work out what each of you are doing! S |
Re: Medicare - Registration Problems
Oh great, I have all this to come then! Thank goodness I kept an Australian Credit card and recieve statements to my Dad's Aussie address - least I can show something with an Aussie address on it.
What a hassle eh! :confused: |
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