2025-01-13
Today, Cleanbill released its Blue Report measuring the availability of bulk billing GPs across the country.
The report demonstrates that:
- Almost 80% of available Australian GP clinics no longer offer bulk billing to adults.
- The average out-of-pocket cost to see a GP is $43.38 per visit.
The community and general practitioners are at breaking point. The lack of action on bulk billing is harming our community and is putting pressure on an already strained health system.
The Greens have a bold plan that will improve the health of our community, and bring down the cost of living. Including:
- Triple the bulk-billing incentive for all: The Greens will ensure everyone, and not just specific cohorts, can access a bulk-billed GP appointment in private practice by tripling the bulk-billing incentive for everyone with a Medicare card.
- Free Local Healthcare Clinics in WA: The Greens will establish at least 96 new Free Local Healthcare Clinics across Western Australia with government-employed healthcare professionals providing free services.
Quotes attributed to Senator Jordon Steele-John, Greens Spokesperson for Health
“With rising out-of-pocket costs and shrinking bulk billing availability, something has got to give.
“It’s disgraceful that we’re in a cost of living crisis where people are choosing between going to the doctor, paying rent and putting food on the table.
“The Greens have a bold plan that will improve the health of our community, and bring down the cost of living. We’re committed to getting back to going to the GP for Free, including increasing the bulk-billing incentive and establishing 1000 Free Local Healthcare centres across Australia.
“These new clinics will be staffed with General Practitioners, Dentists, Psychologists and Nurse Practitioners so Australians can get the healthcare they need when they need it.”