From 1 November, the Federal Government introduced significant changes to Medicare, including new and increased bulk billing incentives for eligible patients.
1. Bulk-billing incentives now apply to all Medicare-eligible patients
Previously, incentives were limited to concession card holders and children under 16.
Under the new rules, any patient can attract a bulk-billing incentive when a GP bulk bills an eligible service.
2. A new payment: the Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program (BBPIP)
A new optional incentive provides an additional 12.5% payment on every dollar of MBS benefit for eligible GP services.
To qualify, a practice must:
- Be formally registered for BBPIP
- Fully bulk bill all GP Non-Referred Attendances (NRAs)
- Publicly advertise itself as a fully bulk-billing practice
The payment is shared 50/50 between the practice and the GP.
3. Existing tripled bulk-billing incentives remain
The higher incentives for eligible face-to-face and telehealth consultations introduced in 2023 remain active and are now accessible for all bulk-billed patients.
This CPD solution guides GPs through understanding the reforms, exploring practical impacts at the practice level, engaging with available tools and calculators, and reflecting on future implications for clinical and business workflows.