Medicare locals to be 'phased out': ALP

The opposition says the Abbott government is preparing to break its election promise to keep Medicare Local centres open.

Labor health spokesperson Catherine King said CEOs of the centres, which plug important gaps in after-hours care and mental health, have been told they would be phased out.

"We have heard speculation today that Tony Abbott is about to break another election promise, when he said no Medicare Locals would close," Ms King told reporters in Melbourne on Tuesday.

"I am calling him today to clarify comments that have been made to chief executive officers of Medicare Locals across the country saying they are to be phased out."

Ms King said there was also speculation the government had approved the speculated introduction of a $6 co-payment for people to visit their GP.

"For a no surprises government Tony Abbott is certainly providing some pretty big surprises when it comes to health," she said.

"It would appear that we are in for a horror budget when it comes to the healthcare of Australians."