Following a decline in bulk billing in Australia’s Medicare system, the Albanese government has found success with new incentives aimed at supporting healthcare affordability.
The new financial rewards for General Practitioners (GP) who bulk bill, as well as the $6.1 billion committed to strengthening the Medicare system, have seen positive results, causing an additional 950,000 doctor visits in the past five months.
Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mark Butler has described the public health system as a priority of the Labor government.
“After a decade of cuts and neglect from the Liberals, the Albanese Government (is) committed to making it easier for people to see a bulk billing doctor,” he said.
“The Albanese government’s tripling of the Medicare bulk billing incentive is targeted at those Australians who (are) feeling the cost of living pressures (the) most.”
Since 2023, the use of bulk billing in medical practices has plummeted while out of pocket costs has skyrocketed.
The Cleanbill 2024 report shows that only 1 in 4 doctors in Australia currently offer bulk billing, and 514 clinics have cut their bulk billing services in the past year.
University of Wollongong Student, Maddie Platts said the lack of bulk billing has affected her ability to utilise medical services.
“It’s just too hard when you have to pay out of pocket. I don’t have that kind of money as a student,” she said.
“It means that when I have an issue with my health, it’s not really an option to get professional advice and resources.
“I should be entitled to affordable healthcare.”
Bulk billing in General Practices is expected to continue increasing, with some doctors believing this is the first step in improving the healthcare system.