The latest Medicare data from July 2017 to March 2018 shows Australian patients have set a new record for the highest GP bulk-billing rate ever achieved for this period – increasing to 85.8 per cent.
This is nearly 4 per cent higher than Labor’s 82.0 per cent, which they achieved when they were last in Government for the same period.
The statistics released today show more Australians are seeing their doctor without having to pay than ever before.
More than 97.7 million bulk-billed GP visits were provided to patients over this time period, an extra 3.7 million services compared to last year.
The number of fully subsidised services across Medicare has also risen with an additional 13 million bulk-billed services delivered compared to last year, with a total of 241 million bulk-billed services.
Labor should welcome these figures and cease their campaign of misinformation on Medicare and hospitals.
Our commitment to Medicare is rock solid and we will continue to ensure Australian patients are supported more than ever.
And although more Australians are benefiting from these record figures we must continue to drive down the cost of private health insurance and address out-of-pocket costs.
That’s why we’re working with the medical profession to address the large and sometimes unanticipated out-of-pocket medical fees some patients face.
Last year we brought in the Medicare Guarantee Fund on 1 July 2017, guaranteeing the first call on the Budget, and this year we look forward to delivering more record health funding.
I want to thank the thousands of doctors right across the country who continue to deliver world-class services to patients.
(ENDS)