The Hunter has experienced one of the largest increases in bulk billing, nationally, since the Australian Government tripled the incentive.
After a decade of cuts and neglect by the Liberals, when they were in power, Labor promised to rectify the issue.
That played a key role in the current government’s $6.1 billion Strengthening Medicare reforms.
In October, 66.4% of all GP visits were bulk-billed across the region.
Following the introduction of the latest inducement on 1 November, that figure rose by 3.4% to 69.8%.
The upsurge means an estimated 10,800 additional trips to the GP were bulk-billed in the Hunter in the past two months of the year, saving locals approximately $450,000 in gap fees.
“Doctors’ groups have called our tripling of the incentive a ‘game changer’ – and clearly it is,” Minister for Health Mark Butler said.
“The government vowed to make it easier for people to see a bulk billing doctor.
“And, the first two months of data show that is exactly what is happening right around the country, and particularly in the Hunter.”
The incentive is paid on top of the standard Medicare benefit when doctors bulk bill children under 16, pensioners and other Commonwealth concession card holders.
The overall rate throughout NSW increased by 1.7% to 82.3%, saving residents across the state more than $3.6 million.
Nationally, the GP bulk billing mark rose by 2.1% to 77.7%.
Shortland MP Pat Conroy labelled it a “win all round for the community”.
“For patients, doctors and the health system, it’s helping make Medicare stronger than it has ever been since Labor introduced it 40 years ago,” he said.
“Every extra bulk-billed visit to a GP means one less gap fee, taking pressure off household budgets.”
Newcastle MP Sharon Claydon agreed.
“Eligible patients account for about three-out-of-five visits to the GP,” she said.
“And, in some communities much more than that, ensuring changes to the bulk billing incentive have brought important relief to pensioners, concession card holders and children under 16.
“I want to see the GP uptake of this incentive continue to rise in Newcastle to ensure Novocastrians have access to affordable healthcare.”
Paterson MP Meryl Swanson echoed those sentiments.
“People in my electorate are some of the biggest winners from the Albanese government’s investment in bulk billing,” she said.
“This is delivering significant cost-of-living relief for those in our community.
“The increase in bulk billing reflects our commitment to ensuring that quality medical care remains within reach for all.”
Hunter MP Dan Repacholi said the measures meant Labor could be trusted to strengthen and protect Medicare.
“People in the region are finding it easier to see a bulk billing doctor because of Labor’s efforts to strengthen Medicare,” he added.
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