The Albanese Government is making Medicare stronger for people living in Ballarat.
On 1 November, the largest investment in bulk billing in the 40-year history of Medicare took effect, with the tripling of the bulk billing incentive for local GPs for children, pensioners and concession card holders. Together, these patients account for around 3 out of 5 visits to the GP.
Bulk billing is the beating heart of Medicare.
After nine years of cuts and neglect by the former government, bulk billing rates have declined sharply and it’s never been harder or more expensive for Australians to see a GP.
This historic investment means it will be easier for 20,404 children and their families, and 54,305 pensioners and concession cardholders in the Ballarat electorate to see a bulk billed GP.
On top of our investment in bulk billing, we are investing in an $1.5 billion indexation boost across the board to Medicare rebates, increasing the amount that doctors receive for Medicare services and reducing pressure on GPs.
The Albanese Government is committed to making it more affordable for families to get the health care they need.
Quotes attributable to Member for Ballarat Catherine King:
“When you visit a doctor with a sick child or a loved one, the last thing you want to think about is the bill. I hope that this incentive will encourage more local practices to maintain or shift back to bulk billing.
“I know that many families are under pressure right now and we’re focused on providing responsible cost of living relief. This is about making it easier and cheaper for people to see a doctor when and where they need it, and it could benefit almost 75,000 people in our community.
“When Peter Dutton was health minister he tried to made it harder for Australians to see doctors and attempted to introduce a $7 GP tax for every patient, every visit. The Albanese Government understands how important healthcare is and we will always support and strengthen Medicare.”
