Diabetes Australia has welcomed the launch of the Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program (BBPIP) by the Federal Government, as a positive step in ensuring Australians have access to affordable healthcare.  

Health Minister Mark Butler has launched the program, which includes new incentives to encourage doctors to bulk bill more patients through the Government’s expansion of Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) bulk billing incentives.  

Those incentives now apply to all Medicare-eligible patients, which is a significant shift from previous eligibility limited to children under 16 and concession card holders. 

Diabetes Australia’s national cost of living survey found people living with diabetes and their carers identified rising costs as the biggest concern when it comes to diabetes management, including medicines, technology and access to healthcare. 

This reform is expected to triple the number of fully bulk billed GP visits by 2030, meaning nine out of ten GP visits would be bulk billed, easing financial pressure on families and individuals. 

From 1 November, registered practices are required to display Medicare Bulk Billing Practice signage, clearly indicating that they are fully bulk billing for eligible services. 

People living with diabetes who often rely on the support of their GP will benefit from improved access to GP services and cost savings, as hundreds of dollars a year in out-of-pocket costs are expected to be eliminated. 

For more information visit: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/about-bulk-billing-practice-incentive-program-bbpip?context=20