Breast prostheses for women who have had breast cancer
The Rudd Government’s new program provides, for the first time, nationally consistent financial support to eligible women who require external breast prostheses as a result of breast cancer. This was an election and Budget commitment to reimburse the cost of breast prostheses up to $400.
The reimbursement covers both new and replacement external breast prostheses purchased from 1 July 2008.
Since the program was announced on 9 September 2008, Medicare Australia has received more than 1,000 claim forms for reimbursement.
The program is now operational and claims processing has commenced.
To claim the reimbursement a Medicare claim form needs to be completed, which is available from any Medicare office or from the Medicare website.
All reimbursements will be made by electronic funds transfer to a nominated bank account.
Women who are permanent residents of Australia, have a current Medicare entitlement and have had a mastectomy as a result of breast cancer are eligible to claim the reimbursement.
Women can access information about the program by contacting Medicare Australia via the website www.medicareaustralia.gov.au or by telephoning 13 20 11.
