'Essential' bulk billing relief for millions of Aussies

Millions of Australians should now find it easier to find a bulk billing doctor with today's tripling of the bulk billing incentive for children, pensioners and concession card holders.

The Federal Government's revised scheme starts today, meaning GPs can now charge significantly more to the government for bulk billing.

Minister for Health Mark Butler said the changes will make it easier for 11 million patients to see a doctor completely free of charge.

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The incentive has increased to between $20.65 and $39.70 for general attendance consultations, depending on location, for GPs who bulk bill.

The measures should also help relieve pressure on hospitals, the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) said.

RACGP president Dr Nicole Higgins said bulk billing had "declined significantly" because Medicare rebates sat below inflation for years, "and are nowhere near the cost of care".

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That meant, she said, GPs had been "subsidising the full cost of care" every time they bulk billed their patients.

"These changes are essential targeted relief for patients who need it most," Higgins said.