Overview

• The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) is advocating for bulk-billing incentives to be extended to Australians under 35, citing financial barriers to healthcare for young adults.
• The proposed reforms include training 1,500 new GPs over five years, increasing Medicare rebates for mental health and longer consultations, and reducing out-of-pocket costs for patients.
• The RACGP estimates its plan would deliver 6.2 million additional bulk-billed GP visits annually, raising the bulk-billing rate to 85 percent and saving Australians $268 million in healthcare costs.
• Health Minister Mark Butler acknowledged progress under existing policies, which have increased bulk-billing rates to 77.5 percent, but emphasized the need for further improvements.
• The upcoming federal election is expected to spotlight healthcare policies, with both major parties vying to address cost-of-living pressures and affordable access to healthcare.