MARK BUTLER MP

MINISTER FOR HEALTH AND AGEING

MINISTER FOR DISABILITY AND THE NDIS

ALISON BYRNES MP

MEMBER FOR CUNNINGHAM

CAROL BERRY MP

MEMBER FOR WHITLAM

The Albanese Government is making the single largest investment in Medicare since its creation over 40 years ago with our $8.5 billion package delivering on our commitment for more bulk billing and more doctors for all Australians.

From the 1st of November, for the first time, bulk billing incentives will be paid to GPs for every patient they bulk bill in the Illawarra and Southern Highlands region. Previously, these incentives were only available to children under 16 and concession card holders.

This will mean 9 out of 10 GP visits will be bulk billed by 2030, boosting the number of fully bulk billed practices to around 4,800 nationally - triple the current number.

Local patients and families will save hundreds of dollars a year in out-of-pocket costs.

Across the Illawarra and Southern Highlands, 30 GP practices have said they will become fully bulk billing clinics.

Registrations are also open for additional new incentive payments for practices and GPs that bulk bill every patient.

GP practices can calculate how much they will be better off and register for BBPIP by visiting health.gov.au/BBPIP.

Quotes attributable to Minister Butler:

“Labor built Medicare, and we are strengthening it for all Australians.

“I want everyone in the Illawarra and South Coast region to know they only need their Medicare card, not their credit card, to receive the health care they need.

“Delivering on this election commitment lifts up our entire nation and ensures no one is held back, and no one is left behind.

Quotes attributable to Alison Byrnes MP:

“Local people have been telling me that access to affordable health care is their number one concern.

“We want to support General Practitioners to bulk bill more patients so that all Australians can access healthcare with just their Medicare card.

“I know local practices are already embracing these reforms and I want to thank all our local GPs for the incredibly important work they do in our communities every day.

“We will always fight to protect Medicare for the good of all Australians and I am proud our government is delivering on this vital promise to our community.”

Quotes attributable to Carol Berry MP:

“We do not want the cost of seeing a GP to get in the way of people getting access to the health care they need.”
“The Albanese Government believes in fair access to quality health care for all Australians.”

“This is another practical way that the Albanese Government is helping to reduce the cost of living for families.”

“Access to quality and affordable primary health care means we can help people stay healthier for longer.”