Residents on the Tasman Peninsula will be among the first to feel the benefits of the Australian Government's historic $8.5 billion investment in Medicare, with the Tasman Medical Practice transitioning to full bulk billing from 1 November for every patient.
During the election campaign, the Albanese Government made the single largest investment in Medicare since its creation over 40 years ago, delivering on our commitment to more bulk billing and more doctors.
For the first time, bulk billing incentives are paid to GPs for every patient they bulk bill in Lyons. Previously these incentives were only available to children under 16 and concession card holders.
This will mean 9 out of 10 GP visits will be bulk billed by 2030, boosting the number of fully bulk billed practices to around 4,800 nationally - triple the current number.
Patients and families on the Tasman Peninsula will save hundreds of dollars a year in out-of-pocket costs.
Already six GP practices in Lyons have said they will become fully bulk billing clinics.
Registrations are also open for additional new incentive payments for practices and GPs that bulk bill every patient.
GP practices can calculate how much they will be better off and register for BBPIP by visiting health.gov.au/BBPIP.
Quotes attributable to Minister Mark Butler:
"Labor built Medicare, and we are strengthening it for all Australians.
"I want everyone in Lyons to know they only need their Medicare card, not their credit card, to receive the health care they need.
"Delivering on this election commitment lifts up our entire nation and ensures no-one is held back, and no-one is left behind."
Quotes attributable Assistant Minister Rebecca White:
"Tasmania has been the biggest winner from Labor's record investment in Medicare, seeing the largest increase in bulk billing of any state or territory.
"Right across Tasmania, including here in Nubeena, the investment we're delivering in Medicare is already allowing more patients to see a doctor for free.
"Medicare has always been about care, not cost, and the Albanese Labor Government is continuing to strengthen Medicare, making healthcare fairer and more affordable for all Australians."
Quotes attributable to Minister Collins:
"Labor created Medicare and now this once in a generation change to bulk billing will mean more Tasmanians can see a doctor for free in their local community.
"Our investment is good for GP practices, good for healthcare and will make a real difference for households feeling cost-of-living pressures."
Quotes attributable to Tasman Medical Practice Manager Maree Walker:
"Our goal is to help the Tasman Peninsula community be as healthy as possible.
"We're choosing to bulk bill all our patients because everyone deserves access to quality care when they need it, not just when they can afford it."
