DR ANNE ALY MP

FEDERAL MEMBER FOR COWAN

LOCAL MEMBER FIGHTS FOR MEDICARE ACCESS

The Federal Government needs to act on the inadequate accessibility of Government services in the northern suburbs.

In the entire Cowan electorate of 180 sq. km, there is only one Centrelink and Medicare Service Centre – located in Warwick.

The Warwick Grove Service Centre is a 20 minute drive from both Wanneroo and Lockridge, which is close to an hour on public transport.

On 9 December 2016, I wrote to Minister Alan Tudge volunteering for my office to host a secure box to collect Medicare claims. That box would either be collected by Medicare staff or delivered by my staff to the Warwick Grove Service Centre.

The Minister has chosen not to provide this option to Cowan residents, responding: “there are a number of other service centres in the Cowan electorate that offer Medicare services and claiming options”.

COMMENTS: ANNE ALY

“It can be a real struggle to get out to Warwick.

“I’ve offered my office to have a secure box for Medicare claims because the service is clearly lacking in the northern suburbs. It’s not good enough and it’s having a real impact on peoples’ lives.

“I’m really disappointed that the Minister isn’t taking me up on the offer. It won’t cost him a cent, and it’ll make life easier for so many people.”

COMMENTS: JEAN GREGORY, 77, DARCH RESIDENT

“I met with Anne to talk about Medicare because it’s a real issue for me and a lot of people I know.

“When I go to Warwick I’m told I have to mail in a claim, which takes six to eight weeks, but I don’t have any other options.

“My specialist costs $138, and I get $60 back from Medicare. That’s a lot of money for a pensioner to be without for six or more weeks.

“I’m glad Anne listened to me. She clearly wants to find a solution.”