Bendigo residents have seen the bulk billing rates increase by 8 per cent since the Albanese Government tripled the bulk billing incentive on 1 November 2023.
Bendigo has seen of the biggest increases in bulk billing rates across the country.
An estimated 9,000 additional trips to the GP were bulk billed in November and December, saving locals an estimated $360,000 in gap fees.
After a decade of cuts and neglect from the Liberals, bulk billing was in free fall.
But these results show the Albanese Government’s investment of $3.5 billion to triple Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) bulk billing incentives is working to make healthcare more affordable for more Australians no matter where they live.
Tripling the bulk billing incentives supports GPs to bulk bill Australians who feel cost of living pressures most acutely. Benefiting older Australians and concession card holders who generally use more GP services and have higher levels rates of chronic health conditions.
It also helps people who live in regional areas like Bendigo, where access to primary care services can be limited. The Government’s investment directly supports the viability of general practices in regional communities and encourages more doctors to work in the regions.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister, Emma McBride:
“It’s good to be in Bendigo to see how the Albanese Government’s investment in bulk billing rates is resulting in better access to health care.
“All Australians no matter where they live should have access to quality, affordable healthcare closer to home.
“The increase to the bulk billing incentive payment supports the recommendation of the Strengthening Medicare Taskforce to increase more affordable care, so Australians on low incomes can access care at no or low cost.”
Quotes attributable to Lisa Chesters MP, Federal Member for Bendigo:
“Locals are finding it easier to see a bulk billing doctor because of Labor’s efforts to strengthen Medicare – and this is also what the data tells us.
“I really do feel like we’ve turned a corner – more people are being bulk billed by their doctor because of the Federal Labor Government.
“This is delivering significant cost of living relief for people in Central Victoria.”
Residents of Bendigo and the surrounding area are benefiting from the largest increase to the bulk billing incentives in the 40-year history of Medicare.
