Free GP visits on the rise as 1400 clinics ditch out-of-pocket fees
Bulk-billing rates for GP visits in Australia have risen significantly following the government's multibillion-dollar incentive program. While most states show strong growth, the ACT continues to lag behind due to recruitment challenges and regional funding criteria.
Why it matters
This data indicates the effectiveness of government healthcare subsidies in improving access to affordable primary care for the general population.
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Share A A A Bulk-billing rates continue to climb on the back of the Albanese government’s multibillion-dollar signature Medicare incentive, as the latest health department data shows increases in the number of free consultations for patients in all states and territories.
The national bulk-billing rate for the June 2026 quarter rose to 84.1 per cent, almost 4 percentage points higher than in the same quarter last year.
Almost four out of five patients aged 16 to 64 had their doctor’s appointment bulk billed in the June quarter – an increase of 8.2 percentage points year on year.
Bulk billing for consultations with the elderly, which are typically more complex and lengthy, has lagged.
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