BULK billing will be more widely available under an $8.5 billion package from the Federal Government, the single largest investment in Medicare since its creation more than 40 years ago.
From this week, bulk billing incentives will be paid to GPs for every patient they bulk bill in Blair. Previously, these incentives were only available to children under 16 and concession card holders.
Member for Blair Shayne Neumann said that on top of this, additional incentive payments would be available for practices and GPs that bulk bill every patient.
“This will mean nine out of 10 GP visits will be bulk billed by 2030, boosting the number of fully bulk billed practices to around 4800 nationally – triple the current number,’’ Mr Neumann said.
“As a result, patients and families in Ipswich, the Somerset Region and Karana Downs area will save hundreds of dollars a year in out-of-pocket costs.”
Mr Neumann said about 83 per cent of GP services in Blair were currently bulk billed, while at least nine GP practices have said they would be fully bulk billing clinics from November 1.
“This includes the Riverlink Medical & Dental Centre Ipswich, which is operated by healthcare provider ForHealth, who also run the Ipswich Medicare Urgent Care Clinic,” he said.
Mr Neumann and State Member for Ipswich West Wendy Bourne visited the centre on Friday to meet with patients and thank staff for their valuable work.
“The Government’s investment to strengthen Medicare will mean GP practices will gain more in additional Medicare payments than they lose in patient out-of-pockets and be in a better financial position if they adopt full bulk billing.”
Patients can find bulk billing practices on the healthdirect.gov.au Service Finder.
In addition to more bulk billing, the Government has delivered free Medicare Urgent Care Clinics, including in Ipswich and Goodna, free mental health support including through the Ipswich Medicare Mental Health Centre, cheaper medicines, and training for more doctors and nurses.”
