Updated MyMedicare Privacy Notice now published

The MyMedicare Patient Privacy Notice has recently been updated to better explain how personal information is collected, used and securely shared across Services Australia, the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. These updates help ensure transparency and support compliance with the Australian Privacy Principles. The Services Australia MyMedicare Privacy Notice for providers and practices remains the same. 

What practices need to know 

• Please let your patients know that the Privacy Notice has been updated and is now available on the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website. Please reassure them that they do not need to do anything in response to this change.
• If your practice has links to the Privacy Notice – such as on your website, onboarding materials or registration workflows – the MyMedicare Privacy Notice will continue to work and automatically display the updated notice. 
• You may consider including a short article on the update in your next newsletter or provider communication.
• You may want to print the linked PDF and place it where patients can see it. 

Why the notice has changed 

• To improve clarity and accessibility for all users.
• To explain more clearly how both mandatory and voluntary information is handled.
• To outline how information may be shared across government agencies involved in MyMedicare. 

These changes help patients feel confident that their information is being managed safely, respectfully and transparently. 

MyMedicare is voluntary, and patients can continue receiving care as usual whether they choose to register or not.

• MyMedicare registration supports continuity of care with a patient’s regular practice.
• Patients can continue accessing all the services they normally receive, even if they are not registered.

What practices need to know:

• Reassure patients that their care remains unchanged if they choose not to register.
• Ensure patients provide informed consent before being registered for MyMedicare.
• Let patients know the benefits of registering, for them and the practice.

Resources – The updated Privacy Notice is available on the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website and via Services Australia: https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/mymedicare/patients#privacy

For any questions or support, please email mymedicare@health.gov.au.