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Medicare Update: Assignment of Benefit Changes (AUS Only)

Why we're pausing the rollout of the new Assignment of Benefit workflow

 

Important

The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has confirmed a 12-month transition period for the new Assignment of Benefit requirements that were due to fully take effect from 1 July 2026.

As a result, we've put our planned changes on hold. Verbal assignment of benefit will continue to be accepted in all settings for bulk billed services for the next 12 months, so there's no need to change your current consent process for now.

In this article:

What's happened

We'd been working closely with Medicare on the changes needed to support the new Assignment of Benefit requirements within Zanda.

As of Thursday 18th June, the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has confirmed a 12-month transition period for the new Assignment of Benefit requirements that were due to fully take effect from 1 July 2026.

With this delay now confirmed, we've put that work on hold.

You can read the full announcement on the Department of Health's website here: Improving the assignment of benefit process

What this means for your practice

Verbal assignment of benefit will continue to be accepted in all settings for bulk billed services for the next 12 months.

This means:

  • There is no new workflow to learn in Zanda right now.
  • You can continue using your current consent process for bulk billed claims — there's nothing you need to change.
  • Any references you may have seen to a new digital Assignment of Benefit step, an updated DB4 form, or a 1 July 2026 deadline no longer apply for the time being.

What happens next

We'll keep this space updated as things develop with Medicare and the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.

We'll pick our work back up well ahead of any new commencement date, once the new requirements have been settled, and we'll give you plenty of notice before any changes are introduced into Zanda.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to do anything right now?

No. There is nothing you need to change in how you obtain or record assignment of benefit for bulk billed claims. Continue with your current process.

Has the Assignment of Benefit requirement been cancelled?

No, it's been delayed. The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has confirmed a 12-month transition period during which verbal assignment of benefit remains acceptable for all bulk billed services, in all settings. The department has said it will continue to work with the sector ahead of any new commencement date.

Will Zanda still build the digital Assignment of Benefit workflow?

Yes. We were already working on this ahead of the original 1 July 2026 date. With the transition period now confirmed, we've paused that work, and we'll resume it well ahead of any new commencement date so you have plenty of time to prepare.

Where can I read more about the change?

You can find the official announcement and ongoing updates on the Department of Health's website: Improving the assignment of benefit process

Will I be notified when this changes again?

Yes. We'll post an update here and notify you ahead of any new requirements being introduced into Zanda, with enough lead time to prepare.

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