Tasmanians now have access to 59 Medicare Bulk Billing practices, statewide, following the Albanese Government's historic investment to strengthen Medicare.
In the electorate of Lyons, 17 practices are now fully bulk billing every patient, up from six prior to 1 November.
Tasmania's GP bulk billing rate now sits at over 77 per cent an increase of 5.4 per cent compared to same period last year.
Nationally, more than 3,400 practices are now offering bulk billing, and in just three months the national bulk‑billing rate has surged to 81.4 per cent-the largest quarterly increase in 20 years outside of the COVID pandemic.
For 16-64 year olds, there has been a 6.9 percentage point increase in the bulk billing rate, the largest quarterly increase on record.
Because of the Government's delivery, approximately 96 per cent of Australians are now within a 20-minute drive of a registered Medicare Bulk Billing Practice.
In October 2023, before the Albanese Government tripled the bulk billing incentive for GPs who bulk bill children under 16 and Commonwealth concession card holders, the bulk billing rate was 75.6 per cent.
As a result of the 2023 changes, more than 9 in 10 visits for these patients are now bulk billed.
Australians can now find their closest Medicare Bulk Billing Practice at health.gov.au/bulk-billing.
This follows the Albanese Government's historic $8.5 billion investment to strengthen Medicare.
Since 1 November last year, bulk billing incentives are now paid to GPs for every patient they bulk bill and fully bulk billing practices also receive an additional payment.
Quotes attributable to Minister Butler:
"We promised Australians more bulk billing and that is what we are delivering.
"More Australians are finding it easier to find a bulk billing doctor right across the country including in Lyons.
"Doctors and practices are moving back to bulk billing because it works for patients and it works for their practices.
"Bulk billing is the beating heart of Medicare and that's what our Government is delivering."
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister White:
"Across Lyons having 17 bulk billing practices means more people can book a doctor's appointment knowing their visit will be fully bulk billed, that peace of mind matters.
"Medicare has always been about care, not cost and the Albanese Labor Government is strengthening Medicare, making healthcare fairer and more affordable.
"This investment not only helps patients, but it also supports local doctors to provide the care their communities rely on, fully bulk billed.
"Our record investment to strengthen Medicare has already been a game changer with more practices switching to bulk billing since November 1."
