To mark a big new push to extend bulk billing, Dr Mike Freelander joined Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during a visit last week to a local health hub, Our Medical Gregory Hills.
Along with State Camden MP Sally Quinell, they met with patients, GPs and clinic staff, pictured above.
Dr Freelander, who has been pushing for the changes in Medicare needed to make it easier and cheaper to see a doctor, welcome the announcement by the government.
Up to 11 million Australians could benefit from the latest changes to Medicare.
Now patients can access healthcare services such as their GP simply by presenting their Medicare card.
“I am proud to be part of a government that has delivered the largest investment in Medicare bulk billing in 40 years,’’ said Dr Mike Freelander, the Federal Member for Macarthur.
“I began practising in Macarthur when Medicare was first rolled out and I have seen firsthand the importance of this scheme in securing better healthcare outcomes in our communities,’’ he said.
“We are just under one and a half years in government, however, we have delivered the most significant investment in Medicare for four decades whilst the Coalition spent a decade neglecting this vital institution.
“This, along with the reduction in the cost of PBS medication from $42.50 to $30 earlier this year and introducing 60-day dispensing, greatly helps Macarthur residents of all ages access an affordable healthcare system and ease the cost-of-living pressures they are facing.”
Both the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and the Australian Medical Association (AMA) have welcomed this investment as a way of improving access to GPs and helping more GPs remain financially viable, as well as providing cost-of-living relief to patients.
