Bulk billing rates are falling. Patients can’t get care when they need it. GPs are deciding whether to give up bulk billing completely. The Federal Government has a long-term plan which is good. It won’t help patients for years. Help for our most disadvantaged patients is needed now.
GPs are paid a $7 incentive if they bulk bill pensioners and health care card holders, some of the most disadvantaged in our community.
Today Minister Butler could increase that payment to immediately help those patients and reduce the likelihood of GPs giving up bulk billing.
Today he could set in place an adjustment to a small special payment GPs get called the Practice Incentive Payment. Its value currently depends upon age and gender. He could add socio-economic status to that adjustment.
Both steps are easy and directed at our most vulnerable and disadvantaged patients. Both would encourage GPs to stay working with such patients in areas across Australia where patients simply cannot afford $40-$100 co-payments.
Please Minister, act now to address the crisis