External Breast Prostheses Reimbursement Program

The Australian Government provides reimbursement of up to $400 for new or replacement external breast prostheses for Australian women that are permanent residents of Australia, with a current Australian Medicare card, who have had a mastectomy as a resut of breast cancer.

 

You can claim a reimbursement for a new or a replacement external breast prosthesis purchased from 1/7/2008. No time frames apply on when the mastectomy was performed.

 

There must be a period of 2 years or more between the purchase dates of external breast prostheses in order to make a further claim for reimbursement for a replacement prosthesis. This time frame applies regardless of the amount originally reimbursed under the program.

 

A reimbursement of up to $400 for each new or replacement external breast prostheses can be claimed, depending on the cost of the breast prosthesis. This limit applies for each breast.

 

If you currently receive financial assistance fron the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) you should claim your entitlement through the DVA.

 

You can claim the reimbursement, after you have completed the Medicare claim form, attaching the original Figgers receipt that includes a description of the purchase. You can post away the claim form to: Reply Paid, Medicare Australia, GPO Box 9822, Perth WA 6848 or take it to your nearest Medicare branch. 

 

All reimbursements are made by Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) to the bank account nominated on the claim form. Medicare will send a statement to your nominated postal address listing the amount paid into your bank account which can be kept for taxation purposes.

 

For more information visit www.medicareaustralia.gov.au or http://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/services/medicare/external-breast-prostheses-reimbursement-program