Extra bulk-billing incentives will apply to practices that switch to universal bulk billing.
A re-elected Labor Party will put $8.5 billion toward wide-ranging Medicare reforms, according to multiple sources.
While the announcement will reportedly be made official at a rally in Launceston on Sunday, the package will allegedly include an expansion of the tripled bulk billing rebate to all Australians from November this year.
GP clinics that commit to universal bulk billing will be eligible for a further 12.5% incentive via a PIP payment.
According to the ABC, a Level B consult in a metropolitan area will be worth $69.56 for bulk billing practices under the new scheme.
Rural loading means that the patient rebate in regional centres will go up to $80.71 for a Level B, in large and medium rural towns it will be worth $82.71, in small rural towns it will be worth $84.86 and in remote Australia a Level B rebate will be $86.91.
The value of a mental health plan consult lasting less than 40 minutes will be $99.06 in a metro area.
Granular details are yet to be released, but the government reportedly anticipates bulk billing to rise to nine out of every 10 consults.
“This funding package will help address affordability issues for many vulnerable and disadvantaged Australians who do not currently qualify for bulk billing incentives,” AMA president Dr Danielle McMullen said.
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“But greater support for patients with more complex needs can’t afford to be ignored.”
Labor’s policy is largely similar to one proposed by The Greens late last year.
Additional money is also going toward GP training places.
Australia will be heading to the polls before June, but at time of writing no election date has been set.
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