Albanese promises free doctor visits in $8.5 billion Medicare boost ahead of federal election

The federal government has promised free doctor visits by 2030 in a major pre-election healthcare vow.

Anthony Albanese said Labor will spend $8.5 billion across four years to commit to universal bulk-billing, which would make nine out of 10 GP visits free.

"I want every Australian to know they only need their Medicare card, not their credit card, to receive the healthcare they need," Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said yesterday.

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"Labor built Medicare, we will protect it and improve it for all Australians."

Albanese today unveiled Labor's full plan for the major health reform, which is set to extend bulk-billing bonuses to all adults – not just children and concession cardholders.

From November 1, Albanese said Labor will expand the bulk-billing incentive to all Australians.

"This is a policy that lifts up our entire nation and ensures no one is held back, and no one is left behind," Albanese said.

"Because whenever and wherever you see that green and gold Medicare sign. You will know, straight away. No asterisk, no fine print. No terms and conditions.

"Just 100 per cent bulk-billing, covered by Medicare."

Under the plan, Labor would also incentivise doctors and clinics to bulk-bill all their patients with extra funding and boost the GP workforce.

Labor is also promising 400 nursing scholarships and 2000 new GP trainees a year by 2028.

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Albanese estimated this would increase the number of 100 per cent bulk-billed practices to 4800 and save patients $859 million every year by 2030.

This proposal would mark the single biggest investment in Medicare since it was created in 1984.

Currently about 80 per cent of GPs do not accept bulk billing for generic appointments.

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