Mark Butler says he ‘could not in good conscience’ boost rebates instead of bulk-billing incentives
GP groups say raising rebates for long consultations is a greater priority than a push towards universal bulk-billing.
Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler has responded to GP criticism that he should have funded rebates over bulk-billing incentives, saying he could not offer “no strings” Medicare funding.
The Federal Government has pledged to extend the current bulk-billing incentives for concession card holders to all patients, and offer a new Practice Incentives Program payment for GP practices that universally bulk-bill.
