Cleanbill's 2025 Blue Report highlights the need for an urgent injection of funding in Medicare to support more bulk billing and reduce out-of-pocket costs, says the Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP).
While the latest Medicare data shows 77.6% of GP consults are bulk billed, Cleanbill's independent report, released today shows the percentage of practices bulk billing new adult patients without concession cards continued to fall, to 21%. However, this decline slowed after the Government tripled bulk billing incentives, showing the value of this investment.
The Report also shows average out-of-pocket costs increased 4.1% to $43.38.
RACGP President Dr Michael Wright said: "All Australians need affordable access to a GP who knows them. With a federal election fast approaching, we should be seeing bold commitments from all political parties to achieve this.
"With proper investment in Medicare we can increase bulk billing, and reduce out-of-pocket costs for people who aren't being bulk billed. Both of these things are crucial.
"GP clinics are under pressure after decades of underinvestment and the Medicare freeze.. Today's patient rebates don't come close to the cost of care, so people are paying more out-of-pocket, and it's harder for GPs to bulk bill. On top of this, practices have been hit by inflation like everyone.
"When people can't see their GP or delay care due to costs, their heath gets worse and they are more likely to end up in hospitals. That's bad for their health, and costs taxpayers more.
"We know funding works. Government data and the RACGP's Health of the Nation report have shown the tripling of incentives has helped GPs bulk bill more children and concession card holders, particularly in rural and remote areas where the incentives are highest.
"But most Australians aren't eligible for higher incentives and they're missing out. A recent report in Nine newspapers found those aged 16 to 64 are paying more out of pocket, and it's putting many people in a tough spot.
"Nobody should have to choose between seeing their GP and paying for other life essentials.
"There's no substitute for the quality care you get from a GP who knows you and your history – it needs to be affordable and accessible for everyone in Australia. This means the government needs to invest in Medicare and increase patient rebates.
"The RACGP has been calling for an increase in patient rebates, particularly for longer consultations, which more and more Australians need to manage chronic and complex illnesses.
"This will make a real difference for patients and communities across the country. It will improve the health and wellbeing of our population, and take pressure of our hospitals and entire health system."
