The Australian Government's historic investment in strengthening Medicare has reached a major milestone almost two years ahead of schedule with over 3,700 Medicare Bulk Billing Practices now registered across the country.
This exceeds government projections that 3,600 Medicare Bulk Billing Practices would be achieved by late 2027.
It also means we are more than halfway towards reaching the goal of 4,800 Bulk Billing practices by full implementation.
Of the over 3,700 fully bulk billing practices now registered, 1,400 were previously mixed billing practices.
The impact of this is evident with the bulk billing rate for all Australians increasing to 81.4 per cent nationwide for the 3 months from 1 November 2025.
Because of the early uptake by GP practices, about 97 per cent of Australians now live within a 20-minute drive of a bulk billing doctor.
This increase in bulk billing practices is part of the government's $8.5 billion investment to make health care more affordable for more Australians and provide more bulk billing doctors across Australia.
By 2030, the Australian Government's significant investment will mean nine out of 10 GP services are bulk billed, delivering significant savings to patients, every year.
Practices can learn more and register for the program by visiting: www.health.gov.au/bbpip.
Patients can find a bulk billing practice by visiting: www.health.gov.au/bulkbilling.
Quotes attributable to Minister Butler:
"The Albanese Government promised more bulk billing practices for more Australians and we have delivered.
"Clinics are becoming fully bulk billing because they know it's good for their patients and good for their bottom line.
"Because of our investment, being a 20 minute drive from a bulk billing practice is a reality for most almost every Australian."
