The National Rural Health Alliance (NRHA) welcomes the Federal Government’s announcement of a $8.5 billion investment to strengthen Medicare, which includes funding for an additional 18 million bulk-billed GP visits per year, nursing scholarships, and increased GP training opportunities.
The increase in bulk billing is positive news for many patients who have found that the Medicare subsidy has no longer paid the cost of medical service delivery, without being out of pocket. The rebates increase will benefit those living in urban and outer urban areas, especially at a time when they are struggling to pay their bills. NRHA, however, continues to be deeply concerned by the ongoing challenges faced by rural and remote GP or primary care practices that cannot afford to bulk bill services for communities.
“High operational cost of quality healthcare services, and longer and more complex consults due to the comorbidity of rural Australians, result in many rural health services making a loss while trying to meet community needs,” said NRHA Chief Executive Susi Tegen. “Many rural practices are already experiencing a thin or failed market, making it difficult to cover costs. The newly announced Government measures will do little to change that reality.
“The success of these incentives hinges on having a local workforce and leveraging the economies of scale that urban practices enjoy. Many communities face severe shortages of doctors, nurses, dentists, and allied health professionals. A multi-pronged approach will ensure equitable access to Medicare.
“NRHA also highlights concerns about the delayed implementation of the bulk-billing changes, set to commence on 1 November—nine months from now, when the average person is still struggling with their mortgage and cost of food,” Ms Tegen said.
With regard to the Government’s generous commitment to nursing scholarships and expanded GP training, NRHA stresses the importance of ensuring these opportunities are directed toward rural communities. “The Minister for Health and Aged Care has pledged a salary incentive for GP registrars, along with study and parental leave. The Government will also fund additional prevocational and vocational training positions in general practice - a welcome move. However, the rural allocation remains unclear. We must see these scholarships prioritising rural students and those willing to practice in regional and remote areas,” Ms Tegen added.
"Scholarships must be backed by infrastructure funding for housing, ensuring students, trainees, and clinicians have a place to live and accommodate their families. The benefits of such training programs, while positive, will take many years to materialise. Rural Australians need flexible solutions now. Those delivering services on the ground need support, as the healthcare access issue needs priority.
“Until the Government urgently addresses the cost-of-living crisis and in the long-term, supports a comprehensive National Rural Health Strategy with funding, the health of rural communities—and the broader health of our nation—remains at risk,” Ms Tegen concluded.
About us:
The National Rural Health Alliance (the Alliance) comprises 52 national organisations committed to improving the health and wellbeing of the over 7 million people in rural and remote Australia. Our diverse membership includes representation from health professional organisations, health service providers, health educators, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health sector and students.
The Alliance provides a united voice for people and health professionals living and working in rural communities and advocates for sustainable and affordable health services. Our most important role, underpinned by our broad representative base, is listening to the people of rural, regional and remote Australia and taking their views to government.
Contact details:
Kathya de Silva, Media and Communications Officer, National Rural Health Alliance, media@ruralhealth.org.au 0470 487 608