Families across Hinkler are paying the price for the Labor Government’s broken promises on Medicare, with out-of-pocket GP costs projected to keep rising and bulk billing plummeting.
It is clear the Prime Minister’s promise that “all you need is your Medicare card, not your credit card” has already been broken.
Department of Health officials have admitted that out-of-pocket costs for patients are almost $50 on average – the highest on record – and will continue to “go up”.
At the same time, the GP bulk billing rate in Hinkler has fallen from 89% under the Coalition (2021/22) to 84.2% under Labor (2024/25).
“Hinkler residents tell me that it’s harder and more expensive to see a doctor, which is feedback that is backed up by the Government’s own data,” Mr Batt said.
“But Anthony Albanese keeps waving around his Medicare card in complete disregard for the struggles facing patients and family practices.”
The Coalition has launched a new website, www.HowMuchDoYouPay.au, calling on Australians to share their real experiences about the true cost of seeing a GP under Labor.
“This website gives people in Hinkler a voice,” Mr Batt said.
“Labor can’t hide the truth. We know it’s never been harder or more expensive to see a doctor.”
When the former Coalition Government left office, bulk billing rates were at almost 90%, and Australians paid less per visit than they do today.
Hervey Bay based GP and AMA Queensland President Dr Nick Yim said the Labor Government’s changes to bulk billing incentives is a missed opportunity for genuine investment in preventive health.
Dr Yim said doctors want an increase to the base Medicare rebate to benefit all Australians.
“Time and again we have said changing the bulk billing incentives will do little to improve health outcomes, especially when it comes to complex care,” Dr Yim said.
Shadow Minister for Health and Aged Care Senator Anne Ruston said that Labor was focused on using Medicare as its political plaything, instead of addressing the real challenges faced by patients and GPs across Australia.
“The Prime Minister has misled Australians by promising they wouldn’t need their credit card to see a doctor but GP costs are at record highs and families are paying more than ever before,” Senator Ruston said.
“Only 12% of metropolitan GP clinics have signed up to Labor’s bulk billing program, while out-of-pocket costs are projected to keep rising – proving you can’t trust Labor’s Medicare lies.
“It is no wonder that very few GPs are signing up to Labor’s program because local GP practices – mostly small, family-run businesses – are struggling with the rising cost of doing business under Labor, including skyrocketing energy bills and rent.”
Australians are encouraged to visit https://www.howmuchdoyoupay.au/ to share their story about what it’s really costing to see a GP under Labor.