With the federal election called for 3 May, we’ll be tracking health promises made by all of the parties and letting you know what that means for WA healthcare system consumers.
The federal government released their 2024-25 budget on Tuesday 25 March. Health is always a topic to watch at budget time and we’ve had a look at what was included in the 2025-26 budget.
Women’s health was a big winner in the budget and we are really pleased to see women’s health being highlighted – an area that has been ignored or only spoken about obliquely for generations. There is a $792 million package for increased rebates and more bulk billing to increase safe access to long acting reversible contraceptives. A greater number of oral contraceptives have been added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, making these medications cheaper for people who need them. Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme listings for hormonal treatments for menopause, medicare rebates for menopause health assessments and menopause training for GPs are all welcome initiatives, as is increased funding for endometriosis treatment and support, making it easier for people to receive the health care that they need.
The nearly $8 billion spend on Medicare has been covered in many places, but this is aimed at increasing bulk billing rates across the country by increasing incentives for GPs to bulk bill. The goal is for 90% of GP visits to be bulk billed by 2030. The incentives are greater in rural and remote areas, which is a good outcome for services outside of metro areas.
There is also funding to open 50 new Medicare Urgent Care clinics across the country. There are currently 87 of these clinics, alongside some other Urgent Care clinics run by private providers. A recent review into the Medicare Urgent Care clinics has found that while the cost to the government of care at Medicare Urgent Care Clinics is higher than standard GP appointments, and that the communication from the Urgent Care Clinics back to the patient’s usual GP could be better, the waiting times in Urgent Care Clinics are considerably shorter than those in hospital emergency departments and they give patients greater choice when looking for care, particularly after hours.
The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme co payment is being reduced from $31.60 to $25 which is an important saving for people who regularly need medications.
Bronwyn Ife | Systemic Advocacy and Engagement Lead
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