As part of the 2025-26 Budget, the Australian Government announced a $7.9 billion investment to encourage GPs to bulk bill more patients and support practices that bulk bill all of their services. This investment recognises the central role that general practice plays within Australia’s healthcare system and the importance of ensuring all patients can access the primary care they need. The presentation will cover the two components of the announcement, with particular focus on understanding the Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program for rural practices.
Taking effect from 1 November 2025, the Government will expand eligibility for bulk billing incentives to all Australians. This means that GPs will be able to claim incentives when they bulk bill an additional 15 million Australians aged 16 and over who do not a hold a Commonwealth concession card. Incentives will continue to scale with remoteness up to 103% of existing rebates and apply to the majority of non-referred attendance items. In addition, the Government will introduce the Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program which will provide a 12.5% loading on Medicare rebates, paid quarterly, when GPs and practices agree to bulk bill all of their patients for all GP non-referred attendance items.