Medicare Rebates Review

The Department of Health and Ageing recently advised of a change to the way the Medicare Item number 42740 was classified.

Item 42740 (now Item number 42738) includes the treatment (injections) for age-related macular degeneration (AMD).This change affected the way privately insured people can claim a rebate from their fund for this treatment.

Once aware of this change, the Foundation met with the Department of Health and Ageing to gain clarification on the matter. The Department of Health and Ageing has now decided to review this change, and consult with stakeholders. While this consultation takes place, privately insured patients can continue to be treated in a private hospital or day care setting and claim a rebate from their private health fund as before.

The Macular Degeneration Foundation will advise of any further developments once known.

1 April 2012