An increasing number of Australians are attending GP appointments without reaching into their pockets, with GP bulk billing rates in NSW under Medicare at 88.9 per cent for 2018-19.

Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor said since 2012-13, GP bulk billing rates in NSW have increased by 2.1 per cent; proving Medicare is stronger than ever before under this Government.

“It’s great news for residents in Hume as it means more people are able to visit the doctor without having to reach for their wallets,” Mr Taylor said.

“These figures show that by increasing our investment in Medicare, we are supporting quality health care.”

Nationally, a GP bulk billing rate of 86.2 per cent saw a four percentage point increase on the 2012-13 figure. 

“We are building the world’s best health system, where all Australians have access to the best doctors, nurses and hospitals,” Mr Taylor said.

Patients made 136.5 million bulk billed GP visits in 2018-19, up 3.3 million on the previous financial year.

The national bulk billing rate for total Medicare services reached 79.2 per cent for 2018-19, up 0.2 percentage points compared to the previous year, and up 2.7 percentage points from 76.5 per cent in 2012-13.

Australians accessed 335.8 million bulk billed services including GP, specialist, pathology and diagnostic imaging services in 2018–19, up 8.9 million more than the record set last year.

The total cost of all Medicare services in 2018-19 was $24.1 billion, an increase of 3.5 per cent in benefits paid.