Medicare is dying and bulk-billing smoke and mirrors won’t save it
The tripling of bulk-billing incentives is a disastrous example of smoke and mirrors.
On 1 November, the bulk-billing incentive for a standard consultation in metro areas rose from $6.85 to $20.65. In very remote areas, GPs can now claim $39.65 for bulk-billing a concession card holder.
Last week, Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler was telling the media this was the greatest boost to Medicare bulk-billing in 40 years.
Brave words. But if he thinks any of it will stem the demise in GP bulk-billing rates, he’s deluded.
