Far North Queenslanders are receiving the medical care they need at no cost to themselves with recent data showing almost nine out of 10 visits to the GP over the year to December were provided with no out-of-pocket cost.
GP bulk billing rates in Leichhardt reached 86.8 per cent for the year to date to December 2020.
During the same period to December 2020, pathology bulkbilling rates in Leichhardt were 94.5% and diagnostic imaging rates were 92.2%
Federal Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch said this was another example of the Morrison’s Government commitment to Medicare and bulk billing across Australia.
“This is great news for people in my electorate Leichhardt. This means they are able to see their GP and get the help and support they need when they need it with no out of pocket costs,” Mr Entsch said.
Federal Health and Aged Care Minister Greg Hunt said the government’s rapid and effective response to the COVID-19 pandemic is reflected in these record-breaking figures.
He said Medicare, to December 2020, had paid benefits for 3.3 million COVID-19 video consultations and 41 million COVID-19 phone consultations provided by GPs, specialists and allied health professionals.
“We made temporary changes to include telehealth items through Medicare, ensuring Australians can continue to seek medical care while reducing the risk of spreading the disease in the community,” Mr Hunt said.
“Our government’s commitment to Medicare and bulk billing remains rock solid.
“These figures show that we are supporting the health and wellbeing of Australians more than ever before.
“These figures show Medicare, under this Government, is supporting the health and wellbeing of Australians more than ever.”
Across all Medicare services nationwide, which includes visits to specialists, the bulk billing rate reached 81.3 per cent, an increase of 4.8 percentage points since 2012-13.
In total, Medicare services nationwide increased to 440.3 million with total benefits paid reaching $25.9 billion.
