Rising GP Costs Spark Criticism of Bulk Billing in Australia

A recent Cleanbill Blue Report reveals that nearly 80% of Australian GP clinics no longer offer bulk billing to adults, with an average out-of-pocket cost of $43.38 per visit, reflecting a concerning trend in healthcare accessibility. The report indicates a 4% increase in out-of-pocket costs from 2024 to 2025, with Tasmania reporting the highest costs at $54 per visit. The Greens have proposed plans to triple the bulk-billing incentive for all Medicare cardholders and establish 1,000 Free Local Healthcare Clinics across Australia to alleviate these costs. Despite some improvements for vulnerable populations due to recent government incentives, the overall bulk-billing rates have declined since May 2022, particularly affecting patients aged 16 to 64. Many Australians, like 69-year-old Allan Wembridge, are postponing medical visits due to rising costs, emphasizing the financial strain on individuals. The Royal Australian College of GPs has expressed concerns that these trends are detrimental to public health.