Medicare will start paying GP practices to enrol chronic disease patients, but the biggest news from tonight’s Federal Budget might be the Federal Government’s attempt to save its PIP reforms.

Its biggest commitment to general practice was leaked last week; a $450 million investment in funding quarterly “patient enrolment” payments for patients aged 70 and over.

Under the plan, eligible patients will be able to register with their GP to receive funding for non-face-to-face care such as telehealth for scripts and referrals.

The government has confirmed the scheme will be voluntary and that patients will be able to claim unrestricted Medicare funding for all their other care.