RACGP – Breaking News and Insights from the Heart of General Practice

The Cleanbill’s 2025 Blue Report underscores the urgent requirement for additional funding in Medicare to enhance bulk billing and alleviate out-of-pocket expenses, according to the Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP).

Although the most recent Medicare statistics indicate that 77.6% of GP consultations are bulk billed, the independent report from Cleanbill, released today, reveals that the portion of practices bulk billing new adult patients lacking concession cards continued to decline, reaching 21%. Nevertheless, this decrease has tempered after the Government tripled bulk billing incentives, illustrating the significance of this funding.

Furthermore, the Report indicates that average out-of-pocket costs rose by 4.1% to $43.38.

RACGP President Dr. Michael Wright stated: “All Australians deserve affordable access to a GP who is familiar with them. With a federal election approaching swiftly, we should expect bold promises from all political parties to accomplish this.”

“By sufficiently investing in Medicare, we can enhance bulk billing and lessen out-of-pocket expenses for individuals not receiving bulk billing. Both aspects are essential.

“GP practices are experiencing pressure due to decades of insufficient investment and the Medicare freeze. Current patient rebates fail to cover the actual cost of care, resulting in increased out-of-pocket expenses and more challenges for GPs to bulk bill. In addition, practices are contending with inflation like everyone else.

“When individuals cannot visit their GP or postpone care due to expenses, their health deteriorates, leading to a higher likelihood of hospitalization. This is detrimental to their health and burdens taxpayers more.

“We recognize that funding is effective. Government data and the RACGP’s Health of the Nation report indicate that the tripling of incentives has allowed GPs to bulk bill more children and concession card holders, especially in rural and remote regions where incentives are most substantial.

“However, the majority of Australians do not qualify for enhanced incentives, causing them to miss out. A recent article in Nine newspapers discovered that individuals aged 16 to 64 are facing higher out-of-pocket expenses, placing many in difficult situations.

“No one should have to choose between visiting their GP and covering other basic necessities.

“There is no alternative to the high-quality care provided by a GP who understands you and your medical history – this must be both affordable and accessible to all in Australia. Therefore, increased government investment in Medicare and enhanced patient rebates are essential.

“The RACGP has been advocating for an increase in patient rebates, particularly for extended consultations, which an increasing number of Australians require to manage chronic and complex health issues.

“This will have a meaningful impact on patients and communities nationwide. It will enhance the health and wellbeing of our population and relieve pressure on our hospitals and the entire healthcare system.”