Bulk billing rates across the Bendigo electorate have collapsed with more and more local GPs and medical clinics moving to a private billing model.

From 1 November changes to the incentives GPs receive for bulk billing patients will triple, encouraging more practitioners to bulk bill appointments to vulnerable patient groups.

An estimated 76,608 people in the Bendigo electorate such as concession card holders and children under the age of 16 will benefit from the changes. This is the largest investment in bulk billing in the 40-year history of Medicare.

These changes will support GPs to bulk bill the patients that need it most.

Quotes attributable to Lisa Chesters MP:

“These increases to bulk billing incentives are desperately needed and will increase the number of locals able to access bulk billed GP consultations.

“Under the Liberals the Medicare rebate was frozen for six long years, which disincentivised medical practices from bulk billing patients. This made out-of-pocket costs skyrocket.

“I’m proud to be part of a Government that is making it easier for people to get the medical care they need.”