Everything you need to know about major Medicare shake-up
Medicare is undergoing its biggest shake-up in decades, making it easier for more than 12 million Aussies to visit their GP.
Thanks to the sweeping reforms that came into effect on Wednesday, Aussies can now get cheaper visits to GPs and increased access to telehealth services.
It is estimated that 12 millions Australians, or three in every five patients, will find it easier to see a bulk-billing GP after incentive payments for the practice tripled in a major boost.
General practitioners who bulk-bill concession card holders, pensioners and patients aged under the age of 16 will now receive a $20.65 bonus if they are in a metropolitan area, while the incentive has risen to $39.65 for GPs in regional areas.
The previous rates were $6.85 and $13.15 respectively.
The tripling of the bulk-billing incentive payment applies to all face-to-face and telehealth GP consultations of up to 20 minutes.
The plan was hailed as a "game changer" by the Albanese government, as Health Minister Mark Butler said, "Today is the biggest investment in Medicare for decades."
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese added, "Medicare is at the centre of our health system [and] the primary healthcare that GPs deliver makes an enormous difference to people."
"[This] happens to be good for the taxpayer as well because... a slight condition dealt with early [and] treated properly ensures it doesn't become an acute condition."
Medical and GP advocates welcomed the reforms, saying it will make a big difference to millions of Aussies facing cost-of-living pressures.
"But we know more work can be done," Australian Medical Association president Steve Robson said.
"We will continue working with the government on developing new programs and initiatives that strengthen primary care and ensure GP-led care is affordable and accessible for all patients."
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