Medicare 'on brink of collapse' if urgent overhaul doesn't happen

There are urgent calls this morning for the government to take action on Medicare as a growing number of patients are forced to pay out-of-pocket for GP visits.

A majority of Australians say their medical expenses have increased this year with more than half delaying or cancelling appointments due to affordability issues.

Australian Medical Association President Professor Steve Robson told Today governments have been gradually reducing rebates available to patients for decades and "it has now reached crisis point".

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"We're very concerned that if action isn't taken by the end of this year, the system that allows Australians to see GPs is going to be on the point of collapse," Robson said.

He said another big concern is that treatments are being delayed and cancelled because people can't afford them, but health needs to be the priority.

The issue is set to be high on the agenda at National Cabinet this week, but with reports Australian leaders could be looking at creating a system similar to the UK's NHS, Robson said that is not the answer.

"That is not really a model that we want to see in Australia," he said.

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"We know the premiers want action. Because if people can't see GPs, if they can't get that care, it means they're more likely to go to emergency departments which are already under incredible pressure.

"So we need a total overhaul of Medicare and we need it urgently."

See what else Professor Robson had to say in the video above

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