Under Medicare, healthcare, including mental health services, is supposed to be available to all Australians. But what happens if it becomes financially challenging to access?

One Aussie took it to Reddit - a popular social website - to vent about their situation. The GP clinic they attend recently switched from bulk billing to gap billing with barely any notice. This means they now have to fork over cash just to see a GP. Unfortunately, this is a semi-regular occurrence.

‘I can't even see a psychologist without having to fork out $130 in gap fees after already spending $40 gap fee on a GP appointment. I can't see a psychiatrist without spending $400 in gap fees to get the care I need.’

‘What the f*** happened to this country?’

The Aussie also pointed out that those struggling with mental health issues cannot afford the services they need.

Paying has become a source of worry: ‘My mental health has worsened from seeking care because it costs so much. It's become another stress.’

Many Aussie Redditors supported the original poster, saying that the system needs to change. One user said: ‘I hate that it has to get to this point before people notice… Medicare is even a watered-down version of the healthcare system originally proposed. Since its inception, it has always been under threat. We need urgent changes, not only in public policy but in the priorities of the public itself, if public healthcare is to remain a thing.’

Another shared what they thought was the cause of ballooning health expenses: ‘40 years of being told tax cuts are great, who needs public health when you can spend $1500-2000 per month on repayments for your $100,000 car instead, combined with the loopholes in corporate tax ensuring billions don't get paid, and the minerals council ensuring they can loot our resources without appropriate tax or royalties. People don't value free health care until they really need it.’

However, some felt it wasn’t right to blame ordinary citizens: ‘I don’t think it’s fair to put it on the average Joe. A quarter of my wage goes to tax. Corporations and the wealthy are dodging it with loopholes and gaining tax cuts…’

Others thought they should be getting more for their taxes: ‘We pay way too much tax for the public services we get back. I have no issue with taxes, but they need to be used to provide services back to the community! I feel like I'm being robbed of a third of my wage only for the government to give it to private business and waste it breaking deals with other countries. It's f****** despicable.’

‘Exactly. I have no problem paying all of these taxes, fees and excises if we had proper nationally funded health, education and infrastructure,’ another Redditor agreed.

More and more clinics are resorting to gap billing to stay afloat. Credit: CDC​

Some Redditors who work in the health sector offered another perspective, however. Some emphasised how hard it is for clinics, especially since the pandemic: ‘The clinic where I work has had to really start cracking down on no longer bulk billing patients who do not have a concession card. We are really struggling to keep afloat now after being open for 40 years and being privately owned, specialising in specific health areas.

‘During COVID lockdown, we had to bulk bill everyone and it hit us hard. We lost a number of our doctors who retired or switched careers due to burnout.

‘We are at the point now where we cannot survive if we keep bulk billing all patients, and it sucks, for both sides.’

A psychiatrist also chimed in: ‘GPs are all steering away from purely bulk billing as they make barely $40 an hour these days as the Medicare rebate hasn’t increased in over a decade. Most actively avoid mental health consults as they lose money with the time it takes to complete a mental health care plan.’

They said clinicians were forced to leave public health because of burnout and work conditions that do not meet unions’ minimum requirements. As a result, those who remain are overwhelmed with new clients and a waiting list that keeps on growing.

‘I work as a psychiatry doctor in a public (free, bulk billed) clinic accepting referrals from GPs for an assessment and management plan. The current wait list is about 12 months and growing. I can’t chip away at it month by month it’s getting longer. It’s no longer sustainable and this clinic (which started as a passion project) will probably close in the near future because it’s taking away from my actual salaried job. This clinic loses money for my employer, even with Medicare reimbursement,’ they added.

In May, the government claimed that GP bulk billing rates were at 88%. However, this referred to the percentage of services bulk billed by GPs, instead of the patients who benefited from it.

Experts have contested the data, especially with incorrect billings and Australians forced to pay out-of-pocket for health services.

Speaking with The Guardian, Consumers Health Forum Chief Executive Leanne Wells said: ‘The rates don’t reflect people’s experience when they find it hard or impossible to find a bulk billing doctor.’

The non-profit organisation, working with Macquarie University, also found that 14% of Australians with chronic health conditions could not pay for healthcare and medication costs. Meanwhile, 30% were not confident they could afford the care required if they become seriously ill.

The Australian Medical Association (AMA) has been vocal in encouraging GPs to move from bulk billing so their income doesn’t depend on the government. David King, a senior lecturer in general practice from the University of Queensland, noted in The Conversation that Medicare, meant to make private GPs accessible, has failed to keep up with inflation in the health sector.

Doctors have been appealing for changes, saying that the rebate system could collapse soon. Watch an Aussie physician discuss this further on 9 News Australia:

​

We at SDC believe that all Australians should have access to quality healthcare. Have you experienced difficulties finding bulk billing doctors and clinics? How do you think this is affecting Australian healthcare? We’d love to hear about your experiences with the healthcare sector.

 

[Davidmartin]

Under Medicare, healthcare, including mental health services, is supposed to be available to all Australians. But what happens if it becomes financially challenging to access?

One Aussie took it to Reddit - a popular social website - to vent about their situation. The GP clinic they attend recently switched from bulk billing to gap billing with barely any notice. This means they now have to fork over cash just to see a GP. Unfortunately, this is a semi-regular occurrence.

‘I can't even see a psychologist without having to fork out $130 in gap fees after already spending $40 gap fee on a GP appointment. I can't see a psychiatrist without spending $400 in gap fees to get the care I need.’

‘What the f*** happened to this country?’

The Aussie also pointed out that those struggling with mental health issues cannot afford the services they need.

Paying has become a source of worry: ‘My mental health has worsened from seeking care because it costs so much. It's become another stress.’

Many Aussie Redditors supported the original poster, saying that the system needs to change. One user said: ‘I hate that it has to get to this point before people notice… Medicare is even a watered-down version of the healthcare system originally proposed. Since its inception, it has always been under threat. We need urgent changes, not only in public policy but in the priorities of the public itself, if public healthcare is to remain a thing.’

Another shared what they thought was the cause of ballooning health expenses: ‘40 years of being told tax cuts are great, who needs public health when you can spend $1500-2000 per month on repayments for your $100,000 car instead, combined with the loopholes in corporate tax ensuring billions don't get paid, and the minerals council ensuring they can loot our resources without appropriate tax or royalties. People don't value free health care until they really need it.’

However, some felt it wasn’t right to blame ordinary citizens: ‘I don’t think it’s fair to put it on the average Joe. A quarter of my wage goes to tax. Corporations and the wealthy are dodging it with loopholes and gaining tax cuts…’

Others thought they should be getting more for their taxes: ‘We pay way too much tax for the public services we get back. I have no issue with taxes, but they need to be used to provide services back to the community! I feel like I'm being robbed of a third of my wage only for the government to give it to private business and waste it breaking deals with other countries. It's f****** despicable.’

‘Exactly. I have no problem paying all of these taxes, fees and excises if we had proper nationally funded health, education and infrastructure,’ another Redditor agreed.

View attachment 5109
More and more clinics are resorting to gap billing to stay afloat. Credit: CDC​

Some Redditors who work in the health sector offered another perspective, however. Some emphasised how hard it is for clinics, especially since the pandemic: ‘The clinic where I work has had to really start cracking down on no longer bulk billing patients who do not have a concession card. We are really struggling to keep afloat now after being open for 40 years and being privately owned, specialising in specific health areas.

‘During COVID lockdown, we had to bulk bill everyone and it hit us hard. We lost a number of our doctors who retired or switched careers due to burnout.

‘We are at the point now where we cannot survive if we keep bulk billing all patients, and it sucks, for both sides.’

A psychiatrist also chimed in: ‘GPs are all steering away from purely bulk billing as they make barely $40 an hour these days as the Medicare rebate hasn’t increased in over a decade. Most actively avoid mental health consults as they lose money with the time it takes to complete a mental health care plan.’

They said clinicians were forced to leave public health because of burnout and work conditions that do not meet unions’ minimum requirements. As a result, those who remain are overwhelmed with new clients and a waiting list that keeps on growing.

‘I work as a psychiatry doctor in a public (free, bulk billed) clinic accepting referrals from GPs for an assessment and management plan. The current wait list is about 12 months and growing. I can’t chip away at it month by month it’s getting longer. It’s no longer sustainable and this clinic (which started as a passion project) will probably close in the near future because it’s taking away from my actual salaried job. This clinic loses money for my employer, even with Medicare reimbursement,’ they added.

In May, the government claimed that GP bulk billing rates were at 88%. However, this referred to the percentage of services bulk billed by GPs, instead of the patients who benefited from it.

Experts have contested the data, especially with incorrect billings and Australians forced to pay out-of-pocket for health services.

Speaking with The Guardian, Consumers Health Forum Chief Executive Leanne Wells said: ‘The rates don’t reflect people’s experience when they find it hard or impossible to find a bulk billing doctor.’

The non-profit organisation, working with Macquarie University, also found that 14% of Australians with chronic health conditions could not pay for healthcare and medication costs. Meanwhile, 30% were not confident they could afford the care required if they become seriously ill.

The Australian Medical Association (AMA) has been vocal in encouraging GPs to move from bulk billing so their income doesn’t depend on the government. David King, a senior lecturer in general practice from the University of Queensland, noted in The Conversation that Medicare, meant to make private GPs accessible, has failed to keep up with inflation in the health sector.

Doctors have been appealing for changes, saying that the rebate system could collapse soon. Watch an Aussie physician discuss this further on 9 News Australia:

​

We at SDC believe that all Australians should have access to quality healthcare. Have you experienced difficulties finding bulk billing doctors and clinics? How do you think this is affecting Australian healthcare? We’d love to hear about your experiences with the healthcare sector.

Doctors that only earn 40 dollars an hour are you joking. How many scripts can they write in an hour how many referrals can they write in an hour.how many reviews of your last visit to your specialist that you have already reviewed with your specialist can they read in an hour don't forget that the script they write will last you only 3mths so they have you back again in 3 maths don't for get a lot of us are needing the scripts for life and need to see specialist for life why do we need to be forced back to a gp for this maybe then they could see some of the real sick people that are waiting at hospitals that may take load off that system and think of the money the government could save one rebates to gp.s

 

[Suzanne rose]

After my doctor retired I started seeing his daughter at a medical centre.
Appointments are made allowing 15 minutes per patient.
My husband was given 8 dietician Appointments done through the medical centre.

These are paid through medicare. After 3 visits he has been told there is now a gap payment.
I also have physio at the medical centre under Medicare. I have attended 2 Appointments and have paid gap payments.

I believe they will end up charging all patients a gap payment who visit a GP.

What makes me mad is I have private health insurance but won't be able to claim Doctors cost through it , like I can't claim Specialist through my medical fund.

If they bring in we have to pay gap payment then maybe they should at least let us claim through our health funds

A concern is that sick people will stop going to the doctor as they won't be able to afford it. Also hospital emergency departments will be over loaded

 

[Luckyus]

Under Medicare, healthcare, including mental health services, is supposed to be available to all Australians. But what happens if it becomes financially challenging to access?

One Aussie took it to Reddit - a popular social website - to vent about their situation. The GP clinic they attend recently switched from bulk billing to gap billing with barely any notice. This means they now have to fork over cash just to see a GP. Unfortunately, this is a semi-regular occurrence.

‘I can't even see a psychologist without having to fork out $130 in gap fees after already spending $40 gap fee on a GP appointment. I can't see a psychiatrist without spending $400 in gap fees to get the care I need.’

‘What the f*** happened to this country?’

The Aussie also pointed out that those struggling with mental health issues cannot afford the services they need.

Paying has become a source of worry: ‘My mental health has worsened from seeking care because it costs so much. It's become another stress.’

Many Aussie Redditors supported the original poster, saying that the system needs to change. One user said: ‘I hate that it has to get to this point before people notice… Medicare is even a watered-down version of the healthcare system originally proposed. Since its inception, it has always been under threat. We need urgent changes, not only in public policy but in the priorities of the public itself, if public healthcare is to remain a thing.’

Another shared what they thought was the cause of ballooning health expenses: ‘40 years of being told tax cuts are great, who needs public health when you can spend $1500-2000 per month on repayments for your $100,000 car instead, combined with the loopholes in corporate tax ensuring billions don't get paid, and the minerals council ensuring they can loot our resources without appropriate tax or royalties. People don't value free health care until they really need it.’

However, some felt it wasn’t right to blame ordinary citizens: ‘I don’t think it’s fair to put it on the average Joe. A quarter of my wage goes to tax. Corporations and the wealthy are dodging it with loopholes and gaining tax cuts…’

Others thought they should be getting more for their taxes: ‘We pay way too much tax for the public services we get back. I have no issue with taxes, but they need to be used to provide services back to the community! I feel like I'm being robbed of a third of my wage only for the government to give it to private business and waste it breaking deals with other countries. It's f****** despicable.’

‘Exactly. I have no problem paying all of these taxes, fees and excises if we had proper nationally funded health, education and infrastructure,’ another Redditor agreed.

View attachment 5109
More and more clinics are resorting to gap billing to stay afloat. Credit: CDC​

Some Redditors who work in the health sector offered another perspective, however. Some emphasised how hard it is for clinics, especially since the pandemic: ‘The clinic where I work has had to really start cracking down on no longer bulk billing patients who do not have a concession card. We are really struggling to keep afloat now after being open for 40 years and being privately owned, specialising in specific health areas.

‘During COVID lockdown, we had to bulk bill everyone and it hit us hard. We lost a number of our doctors who retired or switched careers due to burnout.

‘We are at the point now where we cannot survive if we keep bulk billing all patients, and it sucks, for both sides.’

A psychiatrist also chimed in: ‘GPs are all steering away from purely bulk billing as they make barely $40 an hour these days as the Medicare rebate hasn’t increased in over a decade. Most actively avoid mental health consults as they lose money with the time it takes to complete a mental health care plan.’

They said clinicians were forced to leave public health because of burnout and work conditions that do not meet unions’ minimum requirements. As a result, those who remain are overwhelmed with new clients and a waiting list that keeps on growing.

‘I work as a psychiatry doctor in a public (free, bulk billed) clinic accepting referrals from GPs for an assessment and management plan. The current wait list is about 12 months and growing. I can’t chip away at it month by month it’s getting longer. It’s no longer sustainable and this clinic (which started as a passion project) will probably close in the near future because it’s taking away from my actual salaried job. This clinic loses money for my employer, even with Medicare reimbursement,’ they added.

In May, the government claimed that GP bulk billing rates were at 88%. However, this referred to the percentage of services bulk billed by GPs, instead of the patients who benefited from it.

Experts have contested the data, especially with incorrect billings and Australians forced to pay out-of-pocket for health services.

Speaking with The Guardian, Consumers Health Forum Chief Executive Leanne Wells said: ‘The rates don’t reflect people’s experience when they find it hard or impossible to find a bulk billing doctor.’

The non-profit organisation, working with Macquarie University, also found that 14% of Australians with chronic health conditions could not pay for healthcare and medication costs. Meanwhile, 30% were not confident they could afford the care required if they become seriously ill.

The Australian Medical Association (AMA) has been vocal in encouraging GPs to move from bulk billing so their income doesn’t depend on the government. David King, a senior lecturer in general practice from the University of Queensland, noted in The Conversation that Medicare, meant to make private GPs accessible, has failed to keep up with inflation in the health sector.

Doctors have been appealing for changes, saying that the rebate system could collapse soon. Watch an Aussie physician discuss this further on 9 News Australia:

​

We at SDC believe that all Australians should have access to quality healthcare. Have you experienced difficulties finding bulk billing doctors and clinics? How do you think this is affecting Australian healthcare? We’d love to hear about your experiences with the healthcare sector.

The scheme was created in 1975 by the Whitlam Government under the name "Medibank".
The Fraser Government made significant changes to it from 1976, including its abolition in late 1981.
The Hawke Government reinstated universal health care in 1984 under the name "Medicare".
It would appear that the only significant political party that has any involvement in Medicare is the present one. So maybe this can be Albo's legacy repairing our medical system instead of the continuous trashing of the previous government.

 

[SAlan]

Under Medicare, healthcare, including mental health services, is supposed to be available to all Australians. But what happens if it becomes financially challenging to access?

One Aussie took it to Reddit - a popular social website - to vent about their situation. The GP clinic they attend recently switched from bulk billing to gap billing with barely any notice. This means they now have to fork over cash just to see a GP. Unfortunately, this is a semi-regular occurrence.

‘I can't even see a psychologist without having to fork out $130 in gap fees after already spending $40 gap fee on a GP appointment. I can't see a psychiatrist without spending $400 in gap fees to get the care I need.’

‘What the f*** happened to this country?’

The Aussie also pointed out that those struggling with mental health issues cannot afford the services they need.

Paying has become a source of worry: ‘My mental health has worsened from seeking care because it costs so much. It's become another stress.’

Many Aussie Redditors supported the original poster, saying that the system needs to change. One user said: ‘I hate that it has to get to this point before people notice… Medicare is even a watered-down version of the healthcare system originally proposed. Since its inception, it has always been under threat. We need urgent changes, not only in public policy but in the priorities of the public itself, if public healthcare is to remain a thing.’

Another shared what they thought was the cause of ballooning health expenses: ‘40 years of being told tax cuts are great, who needs public health when you can spend $1500-2000 per month on repayments for your $100,000 car instead, combined with the loopholes in corporate tax ensuring billions don't get paid, and the minerals council ensuring they can loot our resources without appropriate tax or royalties. People don't value free health care until they really need it.’

However, some felt it wasn’t right to blame ordinary citizens: ‘I don’t think it’s fair to put it on the average Joe. A quarter of my wage goes to tax. Corporations and the wealthy are dodging it with loopholes and gaining tax cuts…’

Others thought they should be getting more for their taxes: ‘We pay way too much tax for the public services we get back. I have no issue with taxes, but they need to be used to provide services back to the community! I feel like I'm being robbed of a third of my wage only for the government to give it to private business and waste it breaking deals with other countries. It's f****** despicable.’

‘Exactly. I have no problem paying all of these taxes, fees and excises if we had proper nationally funded health, education and infrastructure,’ another Redditor agreed.

View attachment 5109
More and more clinics are resorting to gap billing to stay afloat. Credit: CDC​

Some Redditors who work in the health sector offered another perspective, however. Some emphasised how hard it is for clinics, especially since the pandemic: ‘The clinic where I work has had to really start cracking down on no longer bulk billing patients who do not have a concession card. We are really struggling to keep afloat now after being open for 40 years and being privately owned, specialising in specific health areas.

‘During COVID lockdown, we had to bulk bill everyone and it hit us hard. We lost a number of our doctors who retired or switched careers due to burnout.

‘We are at the point now where we cannot survive if we keep bulk billing all patients, and it sucks, for both sides.’

A psychiatrist also chimed in: ‘GPs are all steering away from purely bulk billing as they make barely $40 an hour these days as the Medicare rebate hasn’t increased in over a decade. Most actively avoid mental health consults as they lose money with the time it takes to complete a mental health care plan.’

They said clinicians were forced to leave public health because of burnout and work conditions that do not meet unions’ minimum requirements. As a result, those who remain are overwhelmed with new clients and a waiting list that keeps on growing.

‘I work as a psychiatry doctor in a public (free, bulk billed) clinic accepting referrals from GPs for an assessment and management plan. The current wait list is about 12 months and growing. I can’t chip away at it month by month it’s getting longer. It’s no longer sustainable and this clinic (which started as a passion project) will probably close in the near future because it’s taking away from my actual salaried job. This clinic loses money for my employer, even with Medicare reimbursement,’ they added.

In May, the government claimed that GP bulk billing rates were at 88%. However, this referred to the percentage of services bulk billed by GPs, instead of the patients who benefited from it.

Experts have contested the data, especially with incorrect billings and Australians forced to pay out-of-pocket for health services.

Speaking with The Guardian, Consumers Health Forum Chief Executive Leanne Wells said: ‘The rates don’t reflect people’s experience when they find it hard or impossible to find a bulk billing doctor.’

The non-profit organisation, working with Macquarie University, also found that 14% of Australians with chronic health conditions could not pay for healthcare and medication costs. Meanwhile, 30% were not confident they could afford the care required if they become seriously ill.

The Australian Medical Association (AMA) has been vocal in encouraging GPs to move from bulk billing so their income doesn’t depend on the government. David King, a senior lecturer in general practice from the University of Queensland, noted in The Conversation that Medicare, meant to make private GPs accessible, has failed to keep up with inflation in the health sector.

Doctors have been appealing for changes, saying that the rebate system could collapse soon. Watch an Aussie physician discuss this further on 9 News Australia:

​

We at SDC believe that all Australians should have access to quality healthcare. Have you experienced difficulties finding bulk billing doctors and clinics? How do you think this is affecting Australian healthcare? We’d love to hear about your experiences with the healthcare sector.

 

[Shane O'Neill]

Under Medicare, healthcare, including mental health services, is supposed to be available to all Australians. But what happens if it becomes financially challenging to access?

One Aussie took it to Reddit - a popular social website - to vent about their situation. The GP clinic they attend recently switched from bulk billing to gap billing with barely any notice. This means they now have to fork over cash just to see a GP. Unfortunately, this is a semi-regular occurrence.

‘I can't even see a psychologist without having to fork out $130 in gap fees after already spending $40 gap fee on a GP appointment. I can't see a psychiatrist without spending $400 in gap fees to get the care I need.’

‘What the f*** happened to this country?’

The Aussie also pointed out that those struggling with mental health issues cannot afford the services they need.

Paying has become a source of worry: ‘My mental health has worsened from seeking care because it costs so much. It's become another stress.’

Many Aussie Redditors supported the original poster, saying that the system needs to change. One user said: ‘I hate that it has to get to this point before people notice… Medicare is even a watered-down version of the healthcare system originally proposed. Since its inception, it has always been under threat. We need urgent changes, not only in public policy but in the priorities of the public itself, if public healthcare is to remain a thing.’

Another shared what they thought was the cause of ballooning health expenses: ‘40 years of being told tax cuts are great, who needs public health when you can spend $1500-2000 per month on repayments for your $100,000 car instead, combined with the loopholes in corporate tax ensuring billions don't get paid, and the minerals council ensuring they can loot our resources without appropriate tax or royalties. People don't value free health care until they really need it.’

However, some felt it wasn’t right to blame ordinary citizens: ‘I don’t think it’s fair to put it on the average Joe. A quarter of my wage goes to tax. Corporations and the wealthy are dodging it with loopholes and gaining tax cuts…’

Others thought they should be getting more for their taxes: ‘We pay way too much tax for the public services we get back. I have no issue with taxes, but they need to be used to provide services back to the community! I feel like I'm being robbed of a third of my wage only for the government to give it to private business and waste it breaking deals with other countries. It's f****** despicable.’

‘Exactly. I have no problem paying all of these taxes, fees and excises if we had proper nationally funded health, education and infrastructure,’ another Redditor agreed.

View attachment 5109
More and more clinics are resorting to gap billing to stay afloat. Credit: CDC​

Some Redditors who work in the health sector offered another perspective, however. Some emphasised how hard it is for clinics, especially since the pandemic: ‘The clinic where I work has had to really start cracking down on no longer bulk billing patients who do not have a concession card. We are really struggling to keep afloat now after being open for 40 years and being privately owned, specialising in specific health areas.

‘During COVID lockdown, we had to bulk bill everyone and it hit us hard. We lost a number of our doctors who retired or switched careers due to burnout.

‘We are at the point now where we cannot survive if we keep bulk billing all patients, and it sucks, for both sides.’

A psychiatrist also chimed in: ‘GPs are all steering away from purely bulk billing as they make barely $40 an hour these days as the Medicare rebate hasn’t increased in over a decade. Most actively avoid mental health consults as they lose money with the time it takes to complete a mental health care plan.’

They said clinicians were forced to leave public health because of burnout and work conditions that do not meet unions’ minimum requirements. As a result, those who remain are overwhelmed with new clients and a waiting list that keeps on growing.

‘I work as a psychiatry doctor in a public (free, bulk billed) clinic accepting referrals from GPs for an assessment and management plan. The current wait list is about 12 months and growing. I can’t chip away at it month by month it’s getting longer. It’s no longer sustainable and this clinic (which started as a passion project) will probably close in the near future because it’s taking away from my actual salaried job. This clinic loses money for my employer, even with Medicare reimbursement,’ they added.

In May, the government claimed that GP bulk billing rates were at 88%. However, this referred to the percentage of services bulk billed by GPs, instead of the patients who benefited from it.

Experts have contested the data, especially with incorrect billings and Australians forced to pay out-of-pocket for health services.

Speaking with The Guardian, Consumers Health Forum Chief Executive Leanne Wells said: ‘The rates don’t reflect people’s experience when they find it hard or impossible to find a bulk billing doctor.’

The non-profit organisation, working with Macquarie University, also found that 14% of Australians with chronic health conditions could not pay for healthcare and medication costs. Meanwhile, 30% were not confident they could afford the care required if they become seriously ill.

The Australian Medical Association (AMA) has been vocal in encouraging GPs to move from bulk billing so their income doesn’t depend on the government. David King, a senior lecturer in general practice from the University of Queensland, noted in The Conversation that Medicare, meant to make private GPs accessible, has failed to keep up with inflation in the health sector.

Doctors have been appealing for changes, saying that the rebate system could collapse soon. Watch an Aussie physician discuss this further on 9 News Australia:

​

We at SDC believe that all Australians should have access to quality healthcare. Have you experienced difficulties finding bulk billing doctors and clinics? How do you think this is affecting Australian healthcare? We’d love to hear about your experiences with the healthcare sector.

Labor introduced Medicare so all Australians had access to medical etc Lnp get in and dismantle it and give millions to private health companies and keep pushing Australia to an American system Labor is back in and will more than likely fix it up only to see it destroyed by the next liberal government

 

[SAlan]

There is a dilemma when it comes to Medicine. Costs have risen at a much higher rate than the indexation and for those people with both relatively low incomes and chronic conditions have become very difficult to bear.

At the same time people have gladly accepted the concept of lower taxes and there greater personal responsibility for costs but fail to make provision to provide for such costs as they believe it should be covered under Medicare and of course get upset when they find that they have to make a copayment.

The solution is to probably double the Medicare Levy giving the Government the necessary funds to provide a reasonable rebate to doctors if they bulk bill.

 

[Pat T]

Under Medicare, healthcare, including mental health services, is supposed to be available to all Australians. But what happens if it becomes financially challenging to access?

One Aussie took it to Reddit - a popular social website - to vent about their situation. The GP clinic they attend recently switched from bulk billing to gap billing with barely any notice. This means they now have to fork over cash just to see a GP. Unfortunately, this is a semi-regular occurrence.

‘I can't even see a psychologist without having to fork out $130 in gap fees after already spending $40 gap fee on a GP appointment. I can't see a psychiatrist without spending $400 in gap fees to get the care I need.’

‘What the f*** happened to this country?’

The Aussie also pointed out that those struggling with mental health issues cannot afford the services they need.

Paying has become a source of worry: ‘My mental health has worsened from seeking care because it costs so much. It's become another stress.’

Many Aussie Redditors supported the original poster, saying that the system needs to change. One user said: ‘I hate that it has to get to this point before people notice… Medicare is even a watered-down version of the healthcare system originally proposed. Since its inception, it has always been under threat. We need urgent changes, not only in public policy but in the priorities of the public itself, if public healthcare is to remain a thing.’

Another shared what they thought was the cause of ballooning health expenses: ‘40 years of being told tax cuts are great, who needs public health when you can spend $1500-2000 per month on repayments for your $100,000 car instead, combined with the loopholes in corporate tax ensuring billions don't get paid, and the minerals council ensuring they can loot our resources without appropriate tax or royalties. People don't value free health care until they really need it.’

However, some felt it wasn’t right to blame ordinary citizens: ‘I don’t think it’s fair to put it on the average Joe. A quarter of my wage goes to tax. Corporations and the wealthy are dodging it with loopholes and gaining tax cuts…’

Others thought they should be getting more for their taxes: ‘We pay way too much tax for the public services we get back. I have no issue with taxes, but they need to be used to provide services back to the community! I feel like I'm being robbed of a third of my wage only for the government to give it to private business and waste it breaking deals with other countries. It's f****** despicable.’

‘Exactly. I have no problem paying all of these taxes, fees and excises if we had proper nationally funded health, education and infrastructure,’ another Redditor agreed.

View attachment 5109
More and more clinics are resorting to gap billing to stay afloat. Credit: CDC​

Some Redditors who work in the health sector offered another perspective, however. Some emphasised how hard it is for clinics, especially since the pandemic: ‘The clinic where I work has had to really start cracking down on no longer bulk billing patients who do not have a concession card. We are really struggling to keep afloat now after being open for 40 years and being privately owned, specialising in specific health areas.

‘During COVID lockdown, we had to bulk bill everyone and it hit us hard. We lost a number of our doctors who retired or switched careers due to burnout.

‘We are at the point now where we cannot survive if we keep bulk billing all patients, and it sucks, for both sides.’

A psychiatrist also chimed in: ‘GPs are all steering away from purely bulk billing as they make barely $40 an hour these days as the Medicare rebate hasn’t increased in over a decade. Most actively avoid mental health consults as they lose money with the time it takes to complete a mental health care plan.’

They said clinicians were forced to leave public health because of burnout and work conditions that do not meet unions’ minimum requirements. As a result, those who remain are overwhelmed with new clients and a waiting list that keeps on growing.

‘I work as a psychiatry doctor in a public (free, bulk billed) clinic accepting referrals from GPs for an assessment and management plan. The current wait list is about 12 months and growing. I can’t chip away at it month by month it’s getting longer. It’s no longer sustainable and this clinic (which started as a passion project) will probably close in the near future because it’s taking away from my actual salaried job. This clinic loses money for my employer, even with Medicare reimbursement,’ they added.

In May, the government claimed that GP bulk billing rates were at 88%. However, this referred to the percentage of services bulk billed by GPs, instead of the patients who benefited from it.

Experts have contested the data, especially with incorrect billings and Australians forced to pay out-of-pocket for health services.

Speaking with The Guardian, Consumers Health Forum Chief Executive Leanne Wells said: ‘The rates don’t reflect people’s experience when they find it hard or impossible to find a bulk billing doctor.’

The non-profit organisation, working with Macquarie University, also found that 14% of Australians with chronic health conditions could not pay for healthcare and medication costs. Meanwhile, 30% were not confident they could afford the care required if they become seriously ill.

The Australian Medical Association (AMA) has been vocal in encouraging GPs to move from bulk billing so their income doesn’t depend on the government. David King, a senior lecturer in general practice from the University of Queensland, noted in The Conversation that Medicare, meant to make private GPs accessible, has failed to keep up with inflation in the health sector.

Doctors have been appealing for changes, saying that the rebate system could collapse soon. Watch an Aussie physician discuss this further on 9 News Australia:

​

We at SDC believe that all Australians should have access to quality healthcare. Have you experienced difficulties finding bulk billing doctors and clinics? How do you think this is affecting Australian healthcare? We’d love to hear about your experiences with the healthcare sector.

Our clinic has just stopped bulk billing except for under 16 and our deserving vets. By the time clinics get their rebates it doesn’t lave much for the GPs after 6 years in uni. Our gap is $21. We still have to wait 2 weeks for an appointment.

 

[Ricci]

The Medicare levy paid at 1.5% of your taxable income has been at that rate for years whilst all around it the costs have been rising. Maybe it's now time to review the amount of Medicare levy paid as it is pretty obvious it no longer covers all it is meant to. Hopefully then hospitals would be better funded, pbs medicines would be better paid for and more readily available and doctors could get a decent return and could maybe go back to bulk billing. Just saying.

 

[Pat T]

The scheme was created in 1975 by the Whitlam Government under the name "Medibank".
The Fraser Government made significant changes to it from 1976, including its abolition in late 1981.
The Hawke Government reinstated universal health care in 1984 under the name "Medicare".
It would appear that the only significant political party that has any involvement in Medicare is the present one. So maybe this can be Albo's legacy repairing our medical system instead of the continuous trashing of the previous government.

Would be nice. Problem is every area wants and needs money only sadly there is no money in the coffers.

 

[LeslieB]

Ive just had to cancell an urgent 2 yearly service from the South Australian Flinders medical centre Heart Clinic. I am an 89 year old with complex health matters and a level 4 my aged care package. I had my heart failure and need a two yearly heart scan. Previously this was free and I paid to see the specialist. My apointment for the scan had the sum required crossed out, however the same week as the scan a letter arrived that said that the scans now had to be paid for cash at the time of the scan and an apointment to see the specialist made a week later, however I had to find over 600$ that week and wait for medians to reund the sum less the GAO. How the hell can I raise 600$ out of my merger pension? Over a hundred to see the eye specialist plus an unknown amount to have my eyes laser scanned, that doesn't get a rebate. They have to be joking. Leslie

 

[Luckyus]

Would be nice. Problem is every area wants and needs money only sadly there is no money in the coffers.

It's gone from the lucky country, to you'll be lucky?.

 

[Robbo3006]

Cut back on mp's so we've got money to pay Doctors, career politicians and politicians pensions are a rort, we definitely don't need so many members of parliament. Budging overpaid scum. All they do is lie and rort the system, only going into politics to get rich. If they get caught doing something wrong and are dues to get sacked, don't let them resign so they can keep their pensions, sacked is sacked, no bonuses.

 

[Mumonbike]

How can people find the full bill amount? hard enough for most to do, then wait for the refund of benefit (often only 1/3 of amount paid).
Why can't just the gap be paid and the clinic wait for the benefit payment (apparently paid within 2 to 24hrs)...that still maybe difficult for many along with lifetime meds and some meds require a monthly gp visit that gap needs to be paid also.
The 2-4 week wait to see a GP is also discussing even if an emergency you can't get in..let alone being a new patient

 

[Suzanne rose]

How can people find the full bill amount? hard enough for most to do, then wait for the refund of benefit (often only 1/3 of amount paid).
Why can't just the gap be paid and the clinic wait for the benefit payment (apparently paid within 2 to 24hrs)...that still maybe difficult for many along with lifetime meds and some meds require a monthly gp visit that gap needs to be paid also.
The 2-4 week wait to see a GP is also discussing even if an emergency you can't get in..let alone being a new patient

It will only be the gap payment that you may need to pay.

 

[kitty]

getting just like the uk there system is disgusting why we have all paid our dues one way or another the greed goes on bad management people will not go to a doctor because of the cost therefore soon no surgeries the ED will be inundated not enough nurses now

 

[Ezzy]

Under Medicare, healthcare, including mental health services, is supposed to be available to all Australians. But what happens if it becomes financially challenging to access?

One Aussie took it to Reddit - a popular social website - to vent about their situation. The GP clinic they attend recently switched from bulk billing to gap billing with barely any notice. This means they now have to fork over cash just to see a GP. Unfortunately, this is a semi-regular occurrence.

‘I can't even see a psychologist without having to fork out $130 in gap fees after already spending $40 gap fee on a GP appointment. I can't see a psychiatrist without spending $400 in gap fees to get the care I need.’

‘What the f*** happened to this country?’

The Aussie also pointed out that those struggling with mental health issues cannot afford the services they need.

Paying has become a source of worry: ‘My mental health has worsened from seeking care because it costs so much. It's become another stress.’

Many Aussie Redditors supported the original poster, saying that the system needs to change. One user said: ‘I hate that it has to get to this point before people notice… Medicare is even a watered-down version of the healthcare system originally proposed. Since its inception, it has always been under threat. We need urgent changes, not only in public policy but in the priorities of the public itself, if public healthcare is to remain a thing.’

Another shared what they thought was the cause of ballooning health expenses: ‘40 years of being told tax cuts are great, who needs public health when you can spend $1500-2000 per month on repayments for your $100,000 car instead, combined with the loopholes in corporate tax ensuring billions don't get paid, and the minerals council ensuring they can loot our resources without appropriate tax or royalties. People don't value free health care until they really need it.’

However, some felt it wasn’t right to blame ordinary citizens: ‘I don’t think it’s fair to put it on the average Joe. A quarter of my wage goes to tax. Corporations and the wealthy are dodging it with loopholes and gaining tax cuts…’

Others thought they should be getting more for their taxes: ‘We pay way too much tax for the public services we get back. I have no issue with taxes, but they need to be used to provide services back to the community! I feel like I'm being robbed of a third of my wage only for the government to give it to private business and waste it breaking deals with other countries. It's f****** despicable.’

‘Exactly. I have no problem paying all of these taxes, fees and excises if we had proper nationally funded health, education and infrastructure,’ another Redditor agreed.

View attachment 5109
More and more clinics are resorting to gap billing to stay afloat. Credit: CDC​

Some Redditors who work in the health sector offered another perspective, however. Some emphasised how hard it is for clinics, especially since the pandemic: ‘The clinic where I work has had to really start cracking down on no longer bulk billing patients who do not have a concession card. We are really struggling to keep afloat now after being open for 40 years and being privately owned, specialising in specific health areas.

‘During COVID lockdown, we had to bulk bill everyone and it hit us hard. We lost a number of our doctors who retired or switched careers due to burnout.

‘We are at the point now where we cannot survive if we keep bulk billing all patients, and it sucks, for both sides.’

A psychiatrist also chimed in: ‘GPs are all steering away from purely bulk billing as they make barely $40 an hour these days as the Medicare rebate hasn’t increased in over a decade. Most actively avoid mental health consults as they lose money with the time it takes to complete a mental health care plan.’

They said clinicians were forced to leave public health because of burnout and work conditions that do not meet unions’ minimum requirements. As a result, those who remain are overwhelmed with new clients and a waiting list that keeps on growing.

‘I work as a psychiatry doctor in a public (free, bulk billed) clinic accepting referrals from GPs for an assessment and management plan. The current wait list is about 12 months and growing. I can’t chip away at it month by month it’s getting longer. It’s no longer sustainable and this clinic (which started as a passion project) will probably close in the near future because it’s taking away from my actual salaried job. This clinic loses money for my employer, even with Medicare reimbursement,’ they added.

In May, the government claimed that GP bulk billing rates were at 88%. However, this referred to the percentage of services bulk billed by GPs, instead of the patients who benefited from it.

Experts have contested the data, especially with incorrect billings and Australians forced to pay out-of-pocket for health services.

Speaking with The Guardian, Consumers Health Forum Chief Executive Leanne Wells said: ‘The rates don’t reflect people’s experience when they find it hard or impossible to find a bulk billing doctor.’

The non-profit organisation, working with Macquarie University, also found that 14% of Australians with chronic health conditions could not pay for healthcare and medication costs. Meanwhile, 30% were not confident they could afford the care required if they become seriously ill.

The Australian Medical Association (AMA) has been vocal in encouraging GPs to move from bulk billing so their income doesn’t depend on the government. David King, a senior lecturer in general practice from the University of Queensland, noted in The Conversation that Medicare, meant to make private GPs accessible, has failed to keep up with inflation in the health sector.

Doctors have been appealing for changes, saying that the rebate system could collapse soon. Watch an Aussie physician discuss this further on 9 News Australia:

​

We at SDC believe that all Australians should have access to quality healthcare. Have you experienced difficulties finding bulk billing doctors and clinics? How do you think this is affecting Australian healthcare? We’d love to hear about your experiences with the healthcare sector.

The Medicare levy paid at 1.5% of your taxable income has been at that rate for years whilst all around it the costs have been rising. Maybe it's now time to review the amount of Medicare levy paid as it is pretty obvious it no longer covers all it is meant to. Hopefully then hospitals would be better funded, pbs medicines would be better paid for and more readily available and doctors could get a decent return and could maybe go back to bulk billing. Just saying.

Possibly what we are all thinking Ricci but don't want to admit it.

I think that some consideration needs to be made to marginally index this with the CPI to keep up with rising medical costs. Even if this was only done once a year or alternately .01% to go no higher over a specified period to 2.5% or 3%. We are losing Doctors & at the practice l attend l believe the cost for a private appointment is around $70.00.