Australia introduces new Medicare Healthy Kids Check

Starting 1 November 2026, a new Medicare Health Kids Check will be introduced for three-year-old children in Australia. Part of the government’s Thriving Kids initiative, the assessment aims to improve the early identification of neurodevelopmental differences and developmental delays.

General practitioners (GPs) can conduct these checks, which include evaluating developmental milestones, social circumstances, nutrition, sleep, and physical health markers such as vision, hearing, and BMI. The assessment is available once per child and provides an opportunity for parents to discuss concerns and ensure childhood vaccinations are up to date.

Additionally, new Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) items will be available for GPs and prescribed medical practitioners to prepare or review chronic condition management plans via telephone. These new phone attendance items require patients to be registered with MyMedicare.