Change names with Medicare over the phone or by sending a letter. You’ll need to have a certificate from Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM) that proves the name change. Depending on your reason for changing names, this would be your official marriage certificate (to add or remove your spouse’s surname) or else a legal name change certificate or amended birth certificate (for a legal name change).
Phone: Call Medicare on 132 011. Have your BDM certificate handy as you will need to provide details. Your name is changed on the spot and a new card will be sent by mail.
Mail: Send a letter to Medicare and include your current Medicare card number, old and new names, contact details and reason for changing names. Send the Easy Name Change letter in your pack or write your own. Medicare takes up to 4 weeks to process requests by mail, plus a few days to receive the letter. Send your letter to Medicare at:
PO Box 7856
Canberra BC ACT 2610
Proof: If you were married in Australia and are either adding or dropping your spouse’s surname, you will need a marriage certificate from Births, Deaths and Marriages. You may be asked for the certificate registration number if you call. Other name changes require a legal name change certificate or amended birth certificate from Births, Deaths and Marriages.
A new card will be sent. Once the name change is processed, allow up to 3 weeks for the new card to arrive by mail. You may continue using your existing Medicare card until the new card arrives.
You can’t change your primary name via myGov. The Medicare module in myGov allows you to add an alternate name that medical professionals can search, but will not update your primary name and it will not trigger an updated Medicare card. To add an alternate name from within the Medicare module, log into your myGov account. From the menu bar, choose ‘My Details’ > ‘View and edit my details’ > ‘View or add other names’. Click the button to add an additional name.
How to use the Medicare transfer form. This is so that people in the same family can be listed on the same card. If you are separated you can use the form to transfer off your current card and start a new card. If married, use the form to add your partner to your card. Search ‘Medicare transfer form’ or choose this listing when creating your name change kit.
Changing names in other places? If you’re married, divorced or legally changing names chances are you have 25 different organisations to notify. We provide fully researched instructions along with ready to send forms, letters and information. Simply click ‘get started’, then check off which companies you need to notify. Get your personalised pack of name change notifications in just 15 minutes. You’ll save hours on the phone looking for information and filling in forms!
GET NAME CHANGE EMAILS & PAPERWORK
