Medicare Rebates and Private Health Insurance

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Medicare rebates are currently available through the Federal Government’s “Better Access to Mental Health” scheme whose funding is assessed and activated by your GP putting in place a Mental Healthcare Plan for you and conducting reviews for additional sessions if required.
Note that for 2021, the Federal Government has extended the amount of sessions that attract the Medicare Rebate to 20 per calendar year. This is because of the increased need in the community for mental health support due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Eligible people will receive rebates for:
  • ​10 initial psychology sessions per calendar year, with a further 10 that can be granted under the COVID-19 Mental Healthcare Plan extension 
  • 10 group therapy services in a calendar year
  • ​There will be a gap between the rebate and the session cost. The full fee is payable on the day of your session and we then process the Medicare claim on your behalf
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​Your next step:
To acquire a Medicare rebate, a referral must be obtained from a GP, a Psychiatrist or a Pediatrician. Your Health Care Professional will need to complete a detailed mental health assessment and prepare a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) before referring you to a psychologist under this rebate scheme. You would be well advised to book a longer session with your GP to enable time for this.
Private Health fund providers do not generally require a doctor’s referral to a psychologist  in order for you to claim the rebate.

Can I request to see a specific psychologist?

 • Anyone can see their psychologist of choice without a referral.

 • ​If you wish to use the  Medicare Better Access Scheme, however, your doctor must first assess whether you require the services of a psychologist.
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 • ​Your doctor may support your request for specific psychologist or may refer you to a psychologist that he/she recommends.

Non-Medicare registered therapists

 •  There are  a number of  wonderful therapists at 4thought  who do not offer the Medicare rebate, but  operate at reduced fees in order to effectively match the rebate.
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 • ​Being outside the Better Access Scheme, these sessions are not subject to any limits nor do they require repeated visits to your GP with additional associated costs.

What will it cost me?

  •  ​The out-of-pocket expense to you will vary depending on the fees charged by the psychologist.

 • ​Currently, the Medicare rebate is $88.25 per session
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 • ​​Please refer to your individual Private Health insurer  for their rebate information.

 How do I pay?

 • ​You will need to pay for your session in full at the time of the consultation either by cash, cheque or credit card.

 • Reception can lodge your Medicare claim for you so you receive the rebate directly into your nominated bank account.
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-  Please be aware:
You cannot claim a Medicare rebate and a private health insurance rebate for the same consultation. Please  let reception know which rebate you will be claiming as the receipt for each is different.

Doctor's Review:
Mental Health Plan

 • If you have a Mental Health Plan from your GP you will need to return to your GP for a review at the end of the initial 6 sessions.

 •  The doctor will  determine your eligibility for another 4 sessions based on your progress and the recommendations of your psychologist.

 •  Please enquire at reception to find out how many sessions you have had on  your current referral.  
​​​If you have any questions please  contact Reception on:  03 9530  8773