More than 11 million Aussies will be able to access free GP consultations under the Albanese government's federal budget centrepiece for affordable healthcare during the cost of living crisis.The government has pledged a $3.5 billion boost to help incentivise general practitioners to provide free healthcare to around 11.6 million Australians.It is spruiked as the most historic investment to reform Medicare in its 40-year span.TWO-MINUTE GUIDE: What's in it for me?
Changes to bulk billing are part of a major overhaul to Medicare. (Nine/Orla Maher)RENTAL HELP: Cash sweetener, with a catchTreasurer Jim Chalmers said affordable and reliable healthcare is the shared belief Australians hold but currently wait times and costs are too high."Families are being forced into a lose-lose choice between getting the help they need or paying their bills," he said during his budget speech."This robs parents of peace of mind; it puts families under strain."It means more problems go undiagnosed or untreated… We want to change that."So let's break down what this $3.5 billion will do for Australians.
What has the government announced?
The $3.5 billion package over the next five years is the largest ever increase to the bulk billing incentive, Chalmers said.It will make it cheaper and easier to see a doctor for certain groups of Aussies – basically no out-of-pocket costs.JOBSEEKER CHANGES: The $40 rise explainedThe package is meant to incentivise GP clinics to bulk bill consultations for these groups including face-to-face, telehealth and video conference sessions.It covers consultations more than six minutes in length and some telehealth consultations.
Who is eligible?
Not every Australian will be able to access bulk billing consultations under the scheme.The changes announced apply to children under the age of 16, pensioners and Commonwealth concession card holders.Budget papers reveal there are around 5.1 million children under 16 who will benefit and 7.9 million Commonwealth concession card holders.The bulk billing incentive will be even higher for patients in these categories who live in regional and rural areas.WINNERS AND LOSERS: Who gets the most?
Key announcements from the 2023-24 federal budget. (Nine/Orla Maher)COST OF LIVING: The measures that will offer the most relief
When does it start?
Health Minister Mark Butler said it will have "immediate" benefits for the 11 million Australians.
What does it mean?
Well, the bulk billing incentive will be tripled for GP consultations to encourage more clinics to offer no out-of-pocket costs.So children under 16, pensioners and Commonwealth concession card holders like those on Youth Allowance, JobSeeker or other welfare payments will not face out-of-pocket costs to visit a doctor.For example, if Sarah's 12-year-old daughter starts feeling like she has tonsilitis, she can go to the doctor to access antibiotics.'RENEWABLE ENERGY SUPERPOWER': How the government is tackling climate changeThat consultation will be subsidised under the bulk billing scheme because she is under 16.So, Sarah won't face out-of-pocket costs for her daughter to visit the doctor.
Why is the government doing it?
Medicare in its current form has been criticised for being outdated and during last year's election campaign, Labor vowed to make major reforms to the system.With the help of the Strengthening Medicare Report, the government is now rolling out some reforms to the antiquated system.It comes as it is rarer and rarer to find a bulk billing GP in Australia due to the high costs of running a clinic and the lack of financial incentives for the providers.Chalmers said in addition to rebuilding and strengthening Medicare to be fit for the 21st century, the package will also ease the pressure on public hospitals which continue to recover from the stresses of the COVID-19 pandemic.ENERGY BILL RELIEF: Who gets $500 off?
Treasurer Jim Chalmers delivering his second federal budget. (9News)"All of this will help take pressure off our public hospitals and emergency departments, still feeling the strain of a once-in-a-century pandemic," Chalmers said."It will ensure that for millions of people, the quality of your healthcare is guaranteed not by your credit card – but by your Medicare card."
What else is included in the health care reform?
The government is also increasing funding for GPs by $143.9 million to encourage them to offer after-hours programs, meaning Aussies could access care later into the night instead of going to the hospital.There is an additional $358.5 million in funding to build eight more Urgent Care Clinics which will bulk bill and stay open for longer hours. There will now be a total of 58 around Australia.The budget also details the previously leaked reduction in the cost of medicines by allowing prescriptions to be dispensed in greater amounts.There is also $98.2 million in Medicare rebates for patients who require consultations of longer than 60 minutes to help those living with chronic or complex health conditions.
