Local Medicare office misses out

Woy Woy Medicare offices will not open on Saturday mornings, despite moves to open Gosford and Erina offices on Saturdays from August 7.

Member for Robertson Mr Jim Lloyd announced on July 8 the Saturday opening of Gosford and Erina offices.

"This will make it more convenient for local residents to claim Medicare rebates.

"Many working families spend Saturday mornings in town and it will be easier for them to claim Medicare rebates," Mr Lloyd said.

A staff member from Mr Lloyd's office said the decision to open only the busiest offices was made by the Health Insurances Commission, not the Government, based on statistical data and the demand for the Saturday services.

"This is not a closed book.

"The HIC will continue to monitor Medicare offices and, if there is a sudden increase in services, the HIC will look at whether that particular office should be open on Saturdays."

However, the Woy Woy Medicare office did open on Saturdays in June to allow people to register for the Medicare safety net.

"Woy Woy is close to Gosford geographically and is on main train and bus routes.

"People can also claim their Medicare rebates via mail and through selected pharmacies," the staff member said.

Alison Branley, July 21