Doctors say Anthony Albanese’s $8.5 billion Medicare overhaul will help patients who need it the most, but predict practices in wealthier areas that already charge significant out-of-pocket fees will retain them to make up for rising business costs.

GP and patient groups also said there was a risk doctors could speed up consultations to capitalise on incentives that seek to eliminate patient fees while urging Labor and the Coalition to bring down the cost of prescription medicines.