Medicare card number information

How do I know if my Medicare card number has been exposed?

As part of our ongoing investigation into the cyberattack, we’ve discovered some customers have had their Medicare card number exposed.

We have identified 17,000 valid Medicare ID numbers that have not expired. There are also a further 26,000 expired Medicare card numbers exposed.

Optus can confirm that we have communicated with all contactable customers who have had their Medicare card number exposed. If we did not have valid contact details for impacted customers, those customers will be contacted via direct mail using the last mailing address we have on file, as soon as possible.

What should I do if Optus has confirmed my Medicare card number has been exposed?

For those customers who have been contacted, to help reduce the risk of identity theft or financial loss, we strongly encourage you to replace your Medicare card. You can do this through:

• Your Medicare online account at myGov;
• Express Plus Medicare mobile app; or
• Calling the Medicare program on 132 011 (24/7)

Medicare will send your new card to the address you give them. You can use a digital copy of the Medicare card in the meantime. For more information go to to www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/optusbreach.

In addition, what are we doing to protect you and our customers?

• Providing a 12-month Equifax Protect subscription at no cost to affected customers (see here)
• Notifying all key financial institutions and relevant government bodies, who are also on high alert
• Working with cyber security experts such as The Australian Cyber Security Centre who have provided advice for those impacted on their website or via their 1300 CYBER1 hotline.

We also continue to work closely with the Australian Federal Police supporting their investigation and assisting all relevant authorities to find the criminals behind this.

For the most up-to-date information and FAQs, we will keep this page updated. If you believe your Optus account has been compromised, you can contact us via My Optus app – which remains the safest way to contact Optus, or call us on 133 937. Please note, there may be wait times.