The Department of Health has revealed that the Medicare bulk billing rate has hit an historic high of 86.1 per cent.
Announcing the data for the 2017-18 financial year, Minister for Health, Greg Hunt said it showed an increase of more than 5.7 million free services compared to the previous year.
“Medicare funding is at record levels and the comprehensive data shows more Australians are seeing their doctor without having to pay than ever before,” Mr Hunt said.
“These figures have only been achieved thanks to Australia’s world class GPs and doctors.”
He said the number of bulk-billed services increased in every State and Territory for both total Medicare services and visits to the GP.
“Over 133 million free GP services were delivered last year,” Mr Hunt said.
“The number of fully subsidised services across Medicare has also risen with an additional 18.4 million bulk-billed services delivered compared to last year, totalling 327 million bulk-billed services.”
He promised to continue efforts to drive down the cost of private health insurance, following the lowest premium rise in 17 years.
“At my request, the Commonwealth’s Chief Medical Officer is working with the medical profession to address the large and sometimes unanticipated out-of-pocket medical fees some patients face,” Mr Hunt said.
“We want a no surprises approach to the fees charged to patients and we will work with the sector to deliver better outcomes to Australian patients.”
