Commemorative Medicare cards to mark 40th anniversary

People who get a new or replacement card between February 1 and December 31 will automatically be sent the commemorative version.

Like standard Medicare cards, the commemorative ones will be valid for five years.

Health Minister Mark Butler said the new-designed cards will join the 15 million other standard Medicare cards in circulation that provide free or subsided healthcare for Australians.

"The celebration acknowledged Medicare is the foundation of our health system, ensuring all Australians have equitable access to health care when they need it, regardless of where they live or their ability to pay," he said.

"Medicare belongs to all Australians and the anniversary activities will happen in partnership with the communities and the health professionals where services are delivered."

Medicare began operations on February 1, 1984 under the Hawke government, under a similar health care system to the original Medibank scheme set up by then-prime minister Gough Whitlam in 1975.