$8.5 billion Medicare boost to expand bulk billing and GP access

THE federal government has pledged $8.5 billion to strengthen Medicare, promising more bulk-billed GP visits, increased doctor and nurse training, and reduced out-of-pocket costs for patients.

The Australian Medical Association (AMA) welcomed the announcement, saying it was a significant step toward addressing years of underfunding.

AMA President Dr Danielle McMullen said the package followed the association’s long-running campaign for greater investment in general practice.

“This funding package will help address affordability issues for many vulnerable and disadvantaged Australians who do not currently qualify for bulk billing incentives.

“But greater support for patients with more complex needs can’t afford to be ignored.”

The investment will deliver an additional 18 million bulk-billed GP visits annually and expand bulk billing incentives to all Australians from November 1.

Practices that bulk bill every patient will receive an extra 12.5 per cent loading on Medicare rebates, with the number of fully bulk-billed practices expected to triple to around 4,800 by 2030.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the funding would ensure healthcare access without financial stress.

“I want every Australian to know they only need their Medicare card, not their credit card, to receive the healthcare they need.”

The plan also includes 400 nursing scholarships and training for 2,000 new GPs each year by 2028, addressing workforce shortages identified by the AMA.

The Coalition moved quickly this week to match Labor’s $8.5 billion commitment, pledging an additional $500 million for Medicare-funded mental health support.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton said the Coalition would offset the cost by cutting thousands of public service jobs.

“The government’s put on an additional 36,000 public servants,” Mr Dutton said at a press conference on Monday.

“We will reduce that number and the savings there will be about $6 billion a year.”