The Albanese Government is making the single largest investment in Medicare since its creation over 40 years ago, an $8.5 billion package delivering on our commitment to strengthen bulk billing, support GPs, and make healthcare more affordable for all Australians.  

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

This landmark reform will boost the number of fully bulk billing practices to around 4,800 nationally by 2030, triple the current number.

Patients and families in the ACT are already seeing the benefits of our Government’s investments to strengthen Medicare and deliver more bulk billing.

An additional 44,784 bulk billed visits have been delivered in the ACT since we tripled the bulk billing incentive for children under 16 and concession card holders.

We expect more than 200,000 additional GP visits in the ACT will be fully covered by Medicare each year, saving families hundreds of dollars in out-of-pocket costs and ensuring they only need their Medicare card, not their credit card, when they visit the doctor.

On the same date as we expand bulk billing to every Australian, the Albanese Labor Government is making long-acting reversible contraceptives like IUDs and birth control implants more affordable thanks to our landmark women’s health package.

The changes linked to long-acting reversible contraceptives are expected to benefit around 300,000 women each year, saving them up to $400 in out-of-pocket costs.

ACT residents have also benefited from the Albanese Government’s commitment to deliver cheaper medicines with $36.7 million saved on 5.2 million scripts since 2023.

These reforms are supported by our five Medicare Urgent Care Clinics, known locally as Walk in Centres, which have already delivered more than 264,000 presentations, helping take pressure off local emergency departments and giving Canberrans faster access to care when they need it.

Also in the pipeline for the ACT is a GP-led Medicare Urgent Care Clinic in Woden and three new bulk billed GP clinics.

Together, these all of these measures are delivering a stronger, fairer, and more accessible Medicare for every Canberran.

Quotes attributable to Senator Katy Gallagher:

“Labor is delivering more bulk billing, cheaper medicines, and better access to care across the ACT.

“These reforms are making a real difference for families, helping them see a GP without worrying about the cost, cutting the price of medicines, and expanding urgent care options across Canberra.

“While the ACT has some of the lowest bulk billing rates in the country, the Albanese Labor government is working hard to shift the dial locally, we’ve already seen an increase of 4% bulk billing in the last two years.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Health and Ageing, Mark Butler:

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

“I want everyone in the ACT to know the Albanese Government is committed to delivering more bulk billed appointments so Canberrans can receive the healthcare 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 Member for Fenner, Andrew Leigh MP:

“Every Canberran deserves to see a doctor without worrying about the bill.

“The Albanese Government’s boost to bulk billing means more local doctors are saying yes to Medicare and no to out-of-pocket costs.

“With more bulk billing and cheaper medicines, Labor is making sure Medicare works for everyone.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Bean, David Smith MP:

“These changes are making a real difference for families right across the south of Canberra. More bulk billing means more people can see a doctor when they need to, without worrying about the cost.”

“Labor’s commitment to strengthening Medicare is helping build a fairer, healthier Canberra.”