Significant increases to Medicare bulk billing incentives came into effect today, where GPs will receive triple the incentive to bulk bill vulnerable patients for most standard consultations. In metro areas, the incentive for a standard consultation will rise from $6.85 to $20.65 and in very remote areas it will rise from $13.15 to $39.65, the Federal Govt has announced. It will deliver an additional estimated $3.5 billion over five years to support affordable access to GP care for a range of patients including concession card holders, pensioners and children under 16, a statement explained. Royal Australian College of General Practitioners President Dr Nicole Higgins welcomed the bulk billing increases. “These changes are essential targeted relief for patients who need it most, but this significant investment follows decades of underfunding,” said Higgins.

“It’s very clear there is a long way to go in strengthening Medicare, but this is an important first step and a major investment for families and our most vulnerable patients.” Earlier this year, the Govt cut pharmacy’s remuneration with the introduction of 6o-Day Dispensing with the Pharmacy Guild President Trent Twomey stating “you don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone”. “60-Day Dispensing will rip $4.5 billion out of the front line healthcare sector…and you will see more of these cuts and closures from Sep when the policy is in place.” (PD 12 Jul) JG