Australians Urged to Check for Unpaid Medicare Benefits
Checking your unpaid Medicare benefits takes just a few minutes but could result in money landing back in your pocket. Take action today!
1/21/20252 min read


Millions of dollars in unclaimed Medicare benefits are sitting idle, with thousands of Australians unaware they may be owed money. These unpaid refunds stem from unprocessed claims, outdated bank account details, or errors in medical billing, prompting renewed calls for people to check their Medicare accounts.
How Unpaid Medicare Benefits Accumulate
Medicare refunds can go unpaid for a variety of reasons, including:
Bank account details not being updated after switching accounts.
Claims lodged with incomplete information or missing receipts.
Medical services that were eligible for rebates but never claimed.
The unclaimed amounts can range from a few dollars to hundreds, providing an unexpected financial boost for many.
How to Check if You’re Owed Money
The Australian government has made it simple for citizens to check and claim unpaid Medicare benefits. Here’s what you need to do:
Log in to Your MyGov Account: Link Medicare to your MyGov profile if you haven’t already done so.
Access the Payments and Claims Section: Review your claims history to identify any unpaid benefits.
Update Your Bank Details: Ensure your bank account information is accurate to avoid delays in receiving payments.
Why Now Is the Time to Act
Experts warn that the longer unpaid benefits remain unclaimed, the harder it may be to track them down. Jackie Matjasec, founder of The Simple Budget and financial literacy advocate, stresses the importance of staying on top of your Medicare claims.
“Unpaid benefits often slip through the cracks because people forget to follow up or don’t know they’re entitled to a refund,” Matjasec said. “A quick check can uncover money you didn’t realize was yours.”
Government Calls for Greater Awareness
The Australian government is encouraging citizens to use digital tools like MyGov to monitor their Medicare claims regularly. “We want to ensure that every Australian receives the benefits they’re entitled to,” a Medicare spokesperson said.
What to Do If You Find Unpaid Benefits
If you identify unpaid Medicare benefits, you can:
Lodge or resubmit a claim online via MyGov.
Contact Medicare’s helpline at 132 011 for assistance.
Visit a Medicare office for in-person support.
Protecting Your Finances
To avoid missing out on future refunds, Australians are encouraged to keep their bank details updated and maintain records of medical receipts.
Small amounts may not seem like much, but they can add up over time.
The Simple Budget
The Simple Budget provides a coaching service and general educational information. The Simple Budget does not provide personal financial advice. You should consider whether the services and information provided meet your needs, and where appropriate, seek advice from a financial planner or other professional.