Australians will be able to access a digital version of their Medicare card anytime and anywhere.

The Medicare card is now available on the myGov app. Picture: Supplied
The Medicare card is now available on the myGov app. Australians will still be able to use their physical Medicare card if they prefer, with health service providers able to access both.

The universal public health pass will be available on the myGov app on Thursday and could soon be accessible through the Service NSW app.

The major update will make the card more accessible to Australians while also providing an extra layer of security.

Government Services Minister Bill Shorten has admitted it may take time for medical practitioners and service providers to adjust their systems.

The digital card has been accessible on the website version for some time but will now be added to the app, making it easier to access on the go.

The wallet has been designed as a safe and convenient way for people to keep their Medicare card with them everywhere they go.

“As with all items in the myGov wallet, the Medicare card has protections against fraud and theft, including a hologram and QR code,” Mr Shorten said.

“The animated hologram shows that the card is not just a screenshot and the QR code can be scanned by health professionals to confirm the card is genuine and valid.”

Medicare is the No.1 service linked to myGov, with more than 19 million accounts, although the myGov app is only used by just one million people.

The Covid vaccination passport was rolled out at the end of 2021. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Damian Shaw
The Covid vaccination passport was rolled out at the end of 2021.

“For too long the former government didn’t prioritise the benefits of digital health,” Health Minister Mark Butler said.

“Labor is the party of Medicare and we will always strengthen it.”

It is the latest form of identification to get a digital facelift after the Covid-19 vaccination certificate and Centrelink concession cards became available last year.

Australians will still be able to use their physical Medicare card if they prefer, with health service providers able to access both.

Source – https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/health/one-million-aussies-to-get-easier-access-to-public-healthcare/news-story/86ff29ce54a28e07280f5b5b84ef622a