More than 4000 GP practices now bulk bill all patients
The Albanese government's $8.5 billion investment has doubled bulk-billing practices in four states, reaching over 4000 nationally.
The Health Minister released data showing more than 4000 GP practices across Australia are now fully Medicare Bulk Billing Practices, compared to 2300 a year ago. South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania and the ACT have each more than doubled their bulk-billing practices.
Rural areas saw the biggest jump, with bulk-billing practices climbing 27 per cent to reach 59 per cent of all rural GPs. Remote areas now have the highest rate at 77 per cent.
More than 97 per cent of Australians now live within 20 minutes' drive of a general practice that bulk bills all patients. The government committed to growing bulk-billing practices to 4800 by 2030.
- 4000+
- Practices bulk billing now
- 2300
- Year ago
- $8.5 billion
- Government investment
- 4800 practices
- Target by 2030
Why it mattersAustralians are now more likely to see a doctor for free, without having to pay up front or claim back money. This removes cost as a barrier to medical care.
AustraliaAustralian patients pay less for GP visits, with one in two general practices now committed to bulk billing. Rural and remote Australians have gained the most access to free doctor visits.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 3 h ago
