The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) has welcomed the Albanese Government's expansion of Medicare bulk-billing incentives – improving access to affordable healthcare for all Australians.
From 1 November, bulk-billing incentives will be paid to GPs for every eligible Medicare patient they bulk-bill for services, as part of the new Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program (BBPIP). Previously, the incentives were limited to children under 16 and concession card holders.
ANMF Federal Secretary Annie Butler said the expansion of Medicare incentives would allow more people in the community to access timely, affordable healthcare.
"We commend the Government on its commitment to strengthening Medicare by incentivising more GPs to provide bulk-billed services for eligible patients," Ms Butler explained.
"More bulk-billed healthcare services will help ensure more Australians will have the opportunity to access healthcare when and where they need it.
"As Australians deal with cost-of-living pressures, expanding Medicare bulk-billing services will certainly help reduce out of pocket fees for more patients, ensuring that cost isn't a deterrent for people who need timely medical care.
"As nurses and midwives, we see the consequences of delayed treatment, so if more people can access affordable healthcare, it means they will be less likely to end-up in already overstretched emergency departments – taking pressure off the public hospital system.
"This is another signal that the Government is committed to strengthening Medicare and supporting frontline healthcare and the ANMF urges all eligible GPs to take advantage of the BBPIP and join in the growing move toward universal bulk-billing."
The Government said the ongoing Medicare reforms mean that 9 out of ten GP visits would be bulk-billed by 2030.
Ms Butler said the ANMF continued to advocate for highly-skilled nurses and midwives to work to their scope of practice which would further strengthen the delivery of primary healthcare in the community.
About us:
The ANMF, with over 345,000 members, is the industrial and professional voice for nurses, midwives and carers in Australia.
