New bulk billing incentives in general practice expected to save patients and families hundreds a year in out-of-pocket costs 

From 1 November 2025, bulk billing incentives will be paid to GPs for every Medicare-eligible patient they bulk bill, improving access to and affordability of GP services across Australia.  

Lung Foundation Australia, the leading peak body for lung health and lung disease, commends the Australian Government and Hon Minister Mark Butler MP on the implementation of this important initiative, particularly in light of the present cost of living crisis. 

“Making sure primary care is affordable and accessible is critical to improving preventive health care and health outcomes, especially for people living with a lung disease,” Chair of Lung Foundation Australia, Professor Lucy Morgan said.  

According to Lung Foundation Australia’s 2024 Cost of Living survey, 30% of survey respondents living with a lung disease either cancelled or delayed a GP appointment due to cost-of-living pressures, underscoring the significance of this new initiative.  

“Many people told us that accessing a GP was challenging,” Lung Foundation Australia CEO, Mark Brooke said. 

“As the National Lung Cancer Screening Program continues to roll out, access to primary care will be essential to support early detection and save lives,” Mr Brooke said. 

“We’ve also seen an increasing number of Australians living with lung diseases and other co-morbidities. Longer consultations are often required in these circumstances to ensure the highest quality of care is offered. With more bulk billing options, people living with a lung disease can access the care they need to support better outcomes,” Mr Brooke said. 

Through the new initiative, patients and families will save hundreds of dollars a year in out-of-pocket costs. 

The new incentives are expected to boost the number of fully bulk billed practices to around 4,800 nationally, triple the current number. It will also mean an estimated 9 out of 10 GP visits will be bulk billed by 2030. Previously, these incentives were only available to children under 16 and concession card holders.  

The new measure builds on the Government’s $3.5 billion investment to triple the value of bulk billing incentive items, for children, pensioners and Commonwealth concession card holders which commenced on 1 November 2023.

For more information, please visit health.gov.au/BBPIP