The Launceston community will benefit from more bulk billing thanks to the Albanese Labor Government's historic $8.5 billion investment with the First Point Healthcare Clinic transitioning to fully 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.
The government's investment will deliver an additional 18 million bulk billed GP visits each year nationwide, as well as hundreds of nursing scholarships and thousands more doctors in the largest GP training program in Australia's history.
Medicare payments to regional bulk billing practices like the First Point Healthcare will be double what they are now.
In November 2023, the Albanese Government tripled the bulk billing incentive for pensioners, concession card holders and children. Since then, 9 out 10 GP visit for this cohort of eligible patients have been bulk billed.
This additional investment 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.
Quotes attributable to Minister Butler:
"The most important thing for patients now though when they walk through the doors here at the First Point Healthcare, they can be reassured all they'll need for their appointment is a Medicare card, not a credit card.
"Clinics across the country are moving to fully bulk billing because they know it is better for them and their patients.
"Labor created Medicare and the Albanese Government will always strengthen Medicare.
Quotes attributable Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care Rebecca White:
"From 1 November, more Tasmanians will be able to book a GP appointment knowing their visit will be fully bulk billed. That peace of mind matters and could mean the difference between seeking health care or not.
"Medicare has always been about care not cost and the Albanese Labor Government is continuing to strengthen Medicare, making healthcare fairer and more affordable.
"This investment not only helps patients, it supports local GPs to provide the care their communities rely on, fully bulk billed."
Quotes attributable to Senator Helen Polley:
"Labor created Medicare and now the Albanese Labor Government is implementing nation building reform to strengthen it and improve access to a GP.
"This once in a generation change to bulk billing will mean more Tasmanians can access a bulk billed GP service within their community.
"It is life changing for Tasmanians and will improve access to healthcare when people need to see their GP."
Quotes attributable to Jess Teesdale:
"This is a practical investment that puts people first making healthcare more affordable and more accessible for everyone in Bass.
"We've listened to our community, and this announcement will make a real difference for households feeling cost-of-living pressures.
"For families in Bass, this is about fairness and access, ensuring that quality healthcare is available close to home."
Quotes attributable to Dr Reddy:
"We choose to bulk bill because healthcare should be a choice not a barrier.
"Everyone deserves access to quality care when they need it, not just when they can afford it.
"Our goal is to keep our community healthy and cared for and supported."
