Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment

On 12 December 2019 the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Single Treatment Pathway) Act 2019 received the Royal Assent.

The Act amends the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 to simplify treatment pathways for medical treatment. The amendments replaced the current dual treatment pathway model with a single treatment pathway model.

All DVA clients will now have access to health care through a DVA Health Card without the need to pay up-front and later seek reimbursement. Veterans will present their DVA Health Card at the time of receiving medical treatment, and payments will be made directly to health providers via the Medicare system.

The amendments are intended to streamline access to medical treatment for veterans without the need for claim forms, upfront costs or being out of pocket while awaiting reimbursement. Veterans will have easier access to treatment as and when they need it.

The amendments commenced on 12 December 2019.

Further information, including the text of the Bill, Explanatory Memorandum, and Minister's Second Reading Speech