Government looks at ways to simplify Medicare bulk-billing processes
30 Sep 2026
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing (DoHDA) has confirmed that it is continuing to examine legal options that could make bulk-billing arrangements simpler.
Advice on possible changes is expected to be provided to the Federal Government later this year. The department said it will continue consulting with healthcare providers and other stakeholders during this process.
The new assignment of benefit requirements began on 1 July 2026. Assignment of benefit is the process that allows a patient's Medicare benefit to be paid directly to a provider when a service is bulk billed.
The changes were introduced as part of efforts to modernise Medicare billing and move away from mainly paper-based processes towards electronic options.
A 12-month transition period is now in place until 30 June 2027. During this period, patients can provide verbal assignment of benefit for bulk-billed services in all settings. This gives practices more time to update their systems, train staff and adjust their workflows.
The department has also introduced enduring assignment arrangements for certain groups, including MyMedicare patients, residents of residential aged care homes, and patients of Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations and Aboriginal Medical Services.
Louise Riley, Assistant Secretary of the Government's Medicare Reviews Unit, said the department is interested in practical suggestions from healthcare providers about reducing unnecessary administrative work and improving the usability of the system.
She said the department is also continuing to consider whether further administrative changes could be made while maintaining Medicare's regulatory and integrity requirements.
RACGP President Dr Michael Wright said practices had been working to adjust to the new arrangements but that further work was needed to ensure the system works for patients and practices.
The RACGP had previously raised concerns about situations where patients may have difficulty providing informed consent, including some people receiving care in aged care facilities.
Dr Wright said digital assignment tools were now being used by some practices and software providers, but further attention was needed to ensure the arrangements worked for vulnerable patients who may not regularly attend a medical practice.
The department has said its approach during the transition will focus on education and prevention while providers work towards meeting the updated requirements.
Government looks at ways to simplify Medicare bulk-billing processes
Source: Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing; RACGP/newsGP.