New IT payment system implemented by government

The IT systems that support health, aged care and veterans’ payments will be replaced by the federal government.

These systems need to be replaced to ensure that people can continue to receive their payments from the government, as they are currently based on obsolete technology.

Each year the government makes more than 600 million payments worth approximately $50 billion through the IT systems in support of health and aged care services.

The government has issued a request for information (RFI) to facilitate the replacement, seeking information about how the new system should be designed and delivered.

When complete, the new system will support the Australian Government continuing to own, operate and deliver Medicare, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, and aged care and related veterans payments.

These payments include Medicare Benefits Schedule payments for bulkbilled or subsidised treatment by health professionals such as doctors, specialists, optometrists and, in specific circumstances, dentists, and other allied health practitioners.

They also include payments under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and Ageing and Aged Care Programs.

The RFI provides an opportunity for respondents, including small and medium enterprises, to shape the future design of the new system.

The RFI has been developed following consultation with health and aged care providers, sector stakeholders and users.

Responses to the RFI close on 4 April 2017, with a procurement phase for the new system expected to commence in the middle of 2017.

The RFI is available on the AusTender website and the Digital Marketplace website.

Image credit: ©Leungchopan/Dollar Photo Club

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