‘Game-changer’: Prime Minister celebrates Medicare milestone
The federal government’s changes to the bulk billing incentive have been spruiked as a “game-changer” as the Labor celebrate 40 years of Medicare.
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The federal government’s changes to the bulk billing incentive have been spruiked as a “game-changer” by the Health Minister, as the Labor government celebrate 40 years since the introduction of Medicare.
It has been estimated Australians have saved about $15m in GP gap fees in November and December since the incentive was tripled, with rural and regional Australians predicted to have benefited the most.
Queensland saw a slight bump in the bulk billing rate since the changes were made rising from 73.6 per cent in October, to 75.8 per cent in December – a 2.2 per cent uplift.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited one of the federal government’s urgent care clinics in Brisbane on Wednesday, and spruiked the 40-year Medicare milestone.
“Labor is the party of Medicare – we created it and we will always protect it,” he said.
“Since we came to office we have made medicines cheaper, tripled the bulk billing incentive and opened 58 urgent care clinics around Australia.
“As Medicare celebrates its 40th birthday, I’m proud my Government is making the biggest investment in Medicare in its history.
“This is real, tangible and meaningful cost of living relief, helping to put money back in people’s wallets – right next to their Medicare card.”
Federal Health Minister Mark Butler said the changes was making it easier for people to see a doctor.
“Doctors’ groups have called our tripling of the bulk billing incentive a ‘game changer’ – and clearly it is” he said.
“The first two months of data show that is exactly what is happening right around the country, particularly in rural and regional areas.
“For a doctor in a major city, the Medicare payment they get to bulk bill these patients for a standard consult has increased by 34 per cent
“For a doctor in regional and rural Australia, the Medicare payment has increased by around 50 per cent
“This is a win all round – for patients, doctors and the health system – and it is helping make Medicare stronger than it has ever been since Labor introduced it 40 years ago.”
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