While this represents growth, the increase in fully bulk-billed clinics remains relatively modest compared to recent federal incentives and targets.<\/p>\n
From 1 November 2025, the Federal Government expanded bulk-billing incentives, in a move it said would help triple the number of fully bulk-billing GP practices and make it easier for patients to access no-cost GP visits.<\/p>\n
The 2025\u201326 Budget included a $7.9 billion investment in Medicare, aimed at delivering an extra 18 million bulk-billed GP visits each year by 2030, with nine in 10 GP visits expected to be bulk billed.<\/p>\n
Under the changes, fully bulk-billing practices will receive additional quarterly payments on top of existing Medicare rebates.<\/p>\n
For bulk billing regional and rural practices, the payment for a standard consultation rose from $42.85 to up to $84.86 depending on location, almost double the rate.<\/p>\n
However, not all health experts believe the changes are translating into significant local improvements.<\/p>\n
Australian Medical Association Queensland president Dr Nick Yim said the organisation has long advocated for an overall increase in Medicare rebates for all health services, rather than bulk billing incentives.<\/p>\n
\u201cA boost to rebates will benefit all patients, not just those who access bulk billing,\u201d Dr Yim said.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/SCN19526DrNickYim.png\")
Australian Medical Association Queensland president Dr Nick Yim. Picture: AMA Queensland.<\/p>\n
He said the increase from 10 Sunshine Coast bulk billing practices in 2022 to 16 in 2026 was not surprising.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat we\u2019re seeing is bulk billing incentives benefit patients and practices that already bulk billed before the changes or charged a small gap above the base Medicare rate,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cMany of those practices are located in rural or remote areas where the incentives are higher than in the southeast corner.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dr Yim said mixed and private billing practices face uncertainty when considering whether to switch models.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor mixed and private billing practices, there is no assurance that the incentives being offered will keep up with inflation or the real costs of running their business,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat means they run a high financial risk if they shift their model of operation.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe need higher rebates to ensure all patients benefit regardless of where they live.\u201d<\/p>\n