From 1 July 2026, Medicare requires all Simplified Billing claims to include a completed Assignment of Benefit (AOB) field with either an Implied (I) or Requested (R) indicator. This records how consent to assign Medicare benefits was obtained, either by express patient consent or a qualifying insurer arrangement, supporting payment to another party (e.g. RT Health) rather than to the patient. 

Please ensure your ECLIPSE claims or invoices include a valid AOB indicator - Implied (I) or Requested (R) - prior to submission. Claims without an AOB indicator will be rejected and will need to be resubmitted with the required details. 

• Implied (I) - where an insurer arrangement applies and the assignment occurs automatically; records must substantiate that a qualifying arrangement exists between the insurer and the Provider.
• Requested (R) - where no insurer arrangement applies and the patient’s express consent to assign their Medicare benefits has been obtained and documented appropriately.

Examples of how the AOB indicator can be displayed on your invoice include:
Benefit Assignment:  Implied
Benefit Assignment: I
Assignment of Benefit: Implied
Assignment of Benefit: R
Assignment: Requested

For further information on Assignment of Benefit requirements, refer to: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/assignment-of-medicare-benefits-for-simplified-billing-frequently-asked-questions or search 'Assignment of Medicare Benefits for Simplified Billing' on the https://www.health.gov.au website.