Near Medicare rebate agreement: Minister

Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt has indicated the government is close to reaching an agreement with the medical profession over the Medicare rebate freeze which caused such a stir during last year's federal election.

"I am very confident we will reach an outcome which is positive for the medical profession and is positive for the sustainability of Medicare and, most significantly, improves patient outcomes," he told Sky News on Sunday.

He gave a "rock solid" commitment to strengthening Medicare, one of four pillars in the government's long-term national health plan that also strengthens hospitals, mental and preventative health, and medical research.