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Affordable healthcare for all!

Everyday people are paying more out of pocket than ever before for basic GP visits. And those managing chronic, complex, and mental health conditions are bearing the greatest burden.

Right now, Medicare covers just 45% of GP fees, down from 85% when it started forty years ago.1 As living costs soar, essential healthcare is slipping out of reach for those who need it most.

This is unacceptable. We call on the federal government to raise Medicare rebates, increase bulk-billing incentives, and invest in making our healthcare system more efficient for all.

Everyone should be able to see their GP without worrying about how much it will cost. Sign the petition to demand urgent government action to make healthcare accessible for all!
Right now, our healthcare system is failing everyday Australians.

Medicare covers just 45% of GP fees, down from 85% when it started – with patients left covering the gap as it grows wider by the day. Too many people are now choosing between paying for basic healthcare or putting food on the table.

Medicare rebates also haven't kept up with inflation or rising healthcare costs, taking nearly $4 billion out of general practices.2 It's clear – after years of frozen Medicare rebates, our healthcare system is on life support.3,4

GPs are fighting to keep their doors open while battling skyrocketing costs for staff, equipment, and rent. Even though the rebate freeze has ended, patients are still facing rising out-of-pocket costs, with the average gap payment reaching $41.40 each time they visit the GP.5 Many are putting off critical care until it's too late, leading to emergency interventions that cost the system even more.

We need real investment in our healthcare. Let's get back to a universal medicare system that we can all be proud of – not an American-style healthcare system that preys on the sick, the injured, and the vulnerable.

We need a system where patients never have to choose between their health and feeding their families. The first step to making this happen is demanding the government raise Medicare rebates – add your name to the petition now!
  • Increase Medicare rebates: Medicare rebates need to be increased by at least 20% for longer consultations, especially for those requiring chronic and complex care. This would address the gap between rising healthcare costs and the insufficient indexation that has left patients paying more out of pocket​.
  • Expanded bulk billing incentives: Bulk billing must be made accessible not only to children, pensioners, and concession card holders but also to working-age Australians, many of whom are struggling with healthcare costs. The government needs to extend the tripled bulk billing incentives to ensure that more clinics offer this vital service.
  • Modernised healthcare systems: Commit to overhauling the My Health Record system and reducing administrative burdens on GPs to improve efficiency, freeing up more time for doctors to focus on patient care.
[1] GP visits costing Australians more than ever, survey finds, The Guardian, 30 September 2024.
[2] Close to $4 billion stripped from general practice as a result of Medicare freeze, Australian Medical Association, 31 March 2023.
[3] Medicare freeze has stripped close to $4b from general practice, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 31 March 2023.
[4] AMA analysis of Medicare indexation freeze, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 31 March 2023.
[5] Medicare funding of General Practitioner services over time, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 31 October 2023.

SIGN THE PETITION!

To the Honourable Mark Butler, Minister for Health:

Healthcare is a right, not a privilege. Yet, Australians are paying more out of pocket for GP visits as Medicare rebates have barely increased over the last 40 years – with many putting off critical care until it’s too late.

We urge you to raise Medicare rebates and ensure greater bulk billing incentives, so everyone can access affordable, essential healthcare.




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