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Something significant changed on 1 November 2025. For the first time, bulk billing incentives in Australia expanded to cover every person with a Medicare card — not just pensioners and children. If you haven’t checked whether your GP bulk bills recently, now is the right time.
What the Expansion Actually Means for You
Before November 2025, GPs received an extra incentive only for bulk billing specific groups: children under 16, concession card holders, and DVA patients. Working-age adults without concession cards were often charged gap fees at the doctor’s discretion.
From 1 November 2025, every GP who bulk bills any Medicare patient earns an extra $20.65 per consultation. That’s a direct financial incentive to bulk bill everyone — not just the priority groups.
In practice: The number of fully bulk-billing clinics nearly doubled in the months following this change. Bulk billing rates hit 81.4% of all GP consultations by early 2026 — the highest in years.
The BBPIP Programme: Why More Clinics Are Going All-In
On top of the per-consultation incentive, the Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Payment (BBPIP) gives clinics an extra 12.5% on all Medicare payments — but only if they bulk bill 100% of their patients. Payments started in Q1 2026 for enrolled practices.
The result: clinics that were previously selective about who they bulk billed are now converting to universal bulk billing to qualify for the programme. If your GP recently announced a policy change, BBPIP is likely the reason.
Priority Access Still Exists — And It’s Even Stronger
The expansion doesn’t mean everyone’s on equal footing. These groups have priority access to bulk billing and the highest incentive rates:
- Children under 16
- Pensioners and concession card holders
- DVA card holders
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients
- Refugees and people experiencing homelessness
- Patients with chronic disease management plans
If you fall into one of these categories, you should almost always be able to find a GP who bulk bills you. If your current GP doesn’t, use healthdirect.gov.au to find one who does.
The One Thing You Must Do Before Your Next Visit
Bulk billing is still the clinic’s decision — not a legal guarantee. Before you book any appointment, ring the clinic and ask: “Do you bulk bill all patients with a Medicare card?”
That 30-second call is the most important step. Bulk billing rates are at their highest in years, but not every clinic participates. Confirming ahead of time means no surprise bill at the end.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does everyone with a Medicare card now get free GP visits?
Not automatically — bulk billing is still each clinic’s choice. But the financial incentives now apply to all Medicare patients, which means far more clinics are choosing to bulk bill everyone.
What is the $20.65 incentive?
An extra payment the government makes to GPs for each bulk-billed consultation with any Medicare patient. It’s on top of the normal MBS fee and makes bulk billing financially attractive for a wider range of practices.
What if my GP still charges a gap fee?
You’re entitled to ask, and you can choose to find a bulk-billing clinic instead. Search healthdirect.gov.au — bulk billing availability has improved significantly since November 2025.
Do I need to do anything to get bulk billed?
Just bring your Medicare card and confirm with the clinic before your appointment. Registering on MyMedicare is optional but unlocks longer telehealth sessions.
When does digital consent AOB start?
The digital assignment of benefit consent system was delayed to July 2026. It’s an administrative change that doesn’t affect whether you can be bulk billed.
