How bulk billing can help ease cost-of-living pressures

On 1 November 2023, the Australian Government made a $3.5 billion investment in bulk billing incentives; the largest in the 40-year history of Medicare.

For those who have found it difficult or expensive in recent years to see a general practitioner (GP), this funding boost could make a profound difference. The incentives are available to concession card holders, including the Pension Concession Card and Senior Health Card, and children under 16 years of age.

Among the many benefits: bulk billing incentives have been tripled for the most common GP consultations, allowing more GPs to offer free health care to those most affected by cost-of-living pressures.

For more information about the types of services covered by the increase in bulk billing incentives, visit the Department of Health and Aged Care website.

Are you making the most of these benefits, or could you be saving more?

There’s a quick and easy way to find out, right here and now.

How can I find a GP who bulk bills?

It’s important to note that not all GPs and healthcare professionals offer bulk billing. However, pensioners and concession card holders are more likely to be bulk billed for GP services.

To find your nearest GP offering free or reduced-cost health care, simply:

1. Visit the Healthdirect website
2. Enter your required service and suburb/postcode
3. When search results appear, use the “filter” button to reduce these to services offering mixed or bulk billing.

If your GP does not bulk bill, you may still be able to make a Medicare claim after you pay the full cost for the service.

What does bulk billing cover?

With bulk billing, you don’t have to pay for the medical service from your health professional. Medicare pays your doctor directly.

Any Medicare service can be bulk billed, including:

• visits to GPs and specialists
• tests and scans like x-rays and pathology tests
• eye tests performed by an optometrist.

All you have to do is bring your Medicare card to your GP or healthcare professional. If your doctor offers bulk billing, they will submit a claim directly to Medicare for the provided service with your permission.

To find out more about how Medicare can help you, visit medicare.gov.au/stronger

IMPORTANT LEGAL INFO This article is of a general nature and FYI only, because it doesn’t take into account your personal health requirements or existing medical conditions. That means it’s not personalised health advice and shouldn’t be relied upon as if it is. Before making a health-related decision, you should work out if the info is appropriate for your situation and get professional medical advice.
This content is in partnership with the Department of Health and Aged Care.