Medicare bulk billing rates in Bradfield continue to grow

More Australians than ever are receiving the medical care they need at no cost to themselves, as recent data shows almost nine out of ten visits to the GP over the year to December were provided with no out-of-pocket cost.

Record GP bulk billing rates reached an all-time high of 89.3 per cent for the year to date to December 2020, compared to 81.9 per cent for the same period in 2012-13. 

Across all Medicare services, which includes visits to specialists, the bulk billing rate reached 81.3 per cent, an increase of 4.8 percentage points since 2012-13.

In total, Medicare services increased to 440.3 million with total benefits paid reaching $25.9 billion.

Federal Member for Bradfield, Paul Fletcher said this was another example of the Morrison’s Government commitment to Medicare and bulk billing across Australia.

“Locally, the bulk billing rate for Bradfield has reached 70.4 per cent, up 2.6 percentage points in just five months.”

“This is great news for people in my electorate - it means they are able to see their GP and get the help and support they need when they need it, with no out of pocket costs,” Mr Fletcher said.

By the end of December, Medicare had paid benefits for 3.3 million COVID-19 video consultations and 41 million COVID-19 phone consultations provided by GPs, specialists and allied health professionals.

Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said the Government’s rapid and effective response to the COVID-19 pandemic is reflected in these record-breaking figures.

“We made temporary changes to include telehealth items through Medicare, ensuring Australians can continue to seek medical care while reducing the risk of spreading the disease in the community,” Minister Hunt said.

“Our Government’s commitment to Medicare and bulk billing remains rock solid. These figures show that we are supporting the health and wellbeing of Australians more than ever before.”

Australia has one of the best health systems in the world, founded on Medicare.

The figures released today show Medicare, under this Government, is supporting the health and wellbeing of Australians more than ever.