In recent years, a decline in the bulk billing rate for GP services and an increase in out-of-pocket costs, coupled with cost-of-living pressures, has meant that more people are delaying or avoiding GP care due to cost. Lack of access to primary care leads to suboptimal patient health outcomes and creates additional pressure on public health services due to avoidable hospitalisations.

This impact assessment will be used to inform Government's consideration of options to further strengthen Medicare through bulk billing for all Australians.

The objectives of the Government’s proposed intervention are to: 

• support GPs and GP Practices to provide bulk billed care;
• reinforce primary care as the first point of contact within the health system; and
• make it easier for patients to access affordable care where cost is not a barrier to access. 

In line with these objectives, the Government has considered two main policy options: maintain the status quo (Option 1) or expand bulk billing incentive eligibility to all Australians and implement the Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program (Option 2).

Assessment of the impact analysis: adequate.