The Albanese Government is laying the foundations for significant reforms to Medicare, with a comprehensive package of measures to ensure Australians have better access to affordable care, cheaper medicines and a stronger health workforce.
In response to the Strengthening Medicare Taskforce Report, the Albanese Government is improving access to primary care, reducing pressure on hospitals and acting to support our hardworking GPs, nurses, midwives and allied health practitioners.
A stronger Medicare means one that supports team-based care, underpinned by a funding model that better reflects the healthcare needs of 21st century Australia.
A stronger Medicare means growing the health workforce and supporting our hardworking healthcare workers to do what they’re trained to do and work at the top of their scope of practice.
A stronger Medicare means digital systems that drive better care and provide better connections between different parts of our health system.
The reforms announced today deliver on the recommendations of the Strengthening Medicare Taskforce Report and will be funded through the Strengthening Medicare Fund. Among the reforms announced today, are:
- Supporting workforces to work at top of scope, including pharmacists, paramedics
- Expanding the nursing workforce to improve access to primary care.
- Improving access to and delivery of after-hours primary care.
- Introducing My Medicare to support wrap around care for patients registered with their local GP through new blended payment models.
- Providing flexible funding for multi-disciplinary team-based models to improve quality of care.
- Investing in digital health to improve health outcomes.
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