Federal Government Moves to Make Medical Costs More Transparent
13 Feb 2026
The new law would allow Australians to see what individual specialists charge for specific services, the Medicare rebate, and the private health insurer contribution. The AMA has long pushed for this, so patients can get a full picture of potential out-of-pocket costs.
Ahead of the 2025 federal election, the AMA welcomed Labor’s promise to upgrade the Medical Costs Finder and has worked closely with the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing to improve the website. AMA consultation with Health Minister Mark Butler this week confirmed the government’s commitment to making functional improvements.
The legislation also bans insurer “product phoenixing,” a practice where some private health insurers close an insurance product and re-launch it at a higher price to extract extra premiums. The AMA has consistently called for this to be outlawed and welcomes the government’s action.
Source: AMA; Australian Government Department of Health
