Australia bulk-billing rates rise under Medicare incentives

Bulk-billing rates for general practitioner (GP) visits in Australia have increased, with the national rate reaching 84.1% in the June 2026 quarter. This rise follows the implementation of a multibillion-dollar Medicare incentive program by the Albanese government, which provides extra payments to doctors who waive out-of-pocket fees.

Data from the health department indicates that more than 1,400 practices have transitioned from mixed billing to bulk billing since the incentives began in November 2025. The Northern Territory saw the most significant increase, rising 13 percentage points to 90.8%. In contrast, the Australian Capital Territory reported the lowest rate at 59.3%, attributed to doctor shortages and a lack of eligibility for regional incentives.

The government's initiative aims to make nine out of ten GP visits free by 2030. While bulk billing for patients aged 16 to 64 rose by 8.2 percentage points year-on-year, the rate for elderly patients—who often require longer, more complex consultations—has lagged behind.