Drought Bus

Drought buses are travelling around rural NSW, Victoria, South Australia and Queensland as part of the Australian Governments drought assistance package. The buses are travelling around the worst drought-affected areas and providing information about the services offered by the Australian Government.

Medicare Australia staff travelling with the drought bus can:

• take Medicare claims and have them paid by electronic funds transfer (EFT) or cheques
• enrol people for Medicare
• update contact details and order replacement Medicare cards
• provide basic information about the new health and social services card.

We can also help with a range of Family Assistance services including:

• applying for the Baby Bonus
• lodging Family Assistance forms (including claims)
• updating any changes in income and circumstances
• helping people consider 'what if' scenarios in terms of payment choices.

Medicare Australia is pleased to be part of the Australian Government’s drought bus initiative and to make it easier for people in rural and remote locations to access Medicare benefits and information.

Last updated: 19 May, 2009