LGBTIQ+ Health Australia (LHA) welcomes the launch of the Government’s Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program and expanded eligibility for existing Medicare Benefits Schedule bulk billing incentives which now apply to all Medicare-eligible patients.

The changes mean that access to, and affordability of, General Practitioner services will be greatly improved from 1 November 2025. By 2030, nine out of ten GP visits will be bulk billed, boosting the number of fully bulk billed practices to around 4,800 nationally which is triple the current number. 

LHA CEO Nicky Bath said "A priority of the National Action Plan for the Health and Wellbeing of LGBTIQA+ People (National Action Plan) is to improve the accessibility, availability and safety of services. The changes announced by the government help progress towards this goal by supporting more equitable access to GP services."   

"GPs play a critical role in prevention, early detection and management of health problems across the life course. With improved access to their services, LGBTIQ+ people can build stronger relationships with GPs to support their long-term health and wellbeing,” Bath said. “Fostering strong relationships with GPs is particularly important in improving access to mental health services, which is also a priority area within the National Action Plan." 

LHA notes that affordability of GP services is a significant factor that impacts access, as LGBTIQ+ people face higher rates of unemployment, underemployment and estrangement from family support.  

Bath said "The broadening of bulk billing eligibility will reduce the financial barriers that impact accessibility to services, greatly enhancing the equity of the primary care system. Services will become more accessible to those who need them most." 

Whilst access to services will be improved, LHA notes that ongoing commitments are needed to better ensure that GP services are delivered in a safe, respectful, and affirming manner.  

"Capacity building needs to occur across the primary care sector so that practitioners can deliver care that supports the issues identified in the National Action Plan. It’s essential that GPs can provide effective health services to everyone," said Bath.

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