Overview
The federal Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has issued a direction under the Health Insurance Act 1973 relating to Medicare benefits payable for professional services in rural and remote South Australia. The direction operates under the COAG initiative that allows exemptions to section 19(2) of the Health Insurance Act 1973 - the rule that ordinarily prevents Medicare from paying for services at certain facilities.
Key details
- Full title: Health Insurance (Medicare Benefits Payable in Respect of Professional Services - Council of Australian Governments' Improving Access to Primary Care in Rural and Remote Areas - COAG s19(2) Exemptions Initiative - South Australia) Direction (No. 3) 2026
- Registered: 16 June 2026
- Status: In force
- Repeal date: 18 September 2026
Scope and limitations
The direction applies in rural and remote South Australia. The source page does not provide the full text of the direction, so the specific services, locations, or facilities covered are not specified in the available content.
Limited duration
The direction applies for a limited window only. It is due to be repealed on 18 September 2026, meaning Medicare billing arrangements that rely on this direction will cease to have this direction as their basis from that date.
Key actions
- Health services in rural or remote South Australia that bill Medicare can view the full document at https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2026N00421 to check which services attract Medicare benefits at their facility under this direction.
- Note the repeal date of 18 September 2026 - any Medicare billing arrangements that rely on this direction require review before that date.
- The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing can be contacted for clarification on how the COAG s19(2) exemption applies to a particular practice or facility.
This is a plain-English summary for information only, not legal or compliance advice. Always check the official source or consult a qualified professional.