With the introduction of the new Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program (BBPIP) due to commence in November, the Australian Government has released details on the payment split for GPs and practices.
The Minister for Health, Disability and Ageing has announced that practices and GPs will equally share in the additional incentive payment of 12.5 per cent of MBS billings for eligible services in recognition of the roles played by both practices and providers in delivering bulk billed services to patients.
Bulk billing eligibility to all Australians and the bulk billing practice incentive program for practices registered with MyMedicare will commence on 1 November as part of the Strengthening Medicare strategy.
The BBPIP introduces the 12.5 per cent loading payment on every dollar of MBS benefit earned from GP NRA (non-referred attendance) services. Currently, GPs only receive Medicare bulk billing incentives if they bulk bill children under 16 years old and Commonwealth concession card holders.
Practices that join the BBPIP must bulk bill every eligible service for every patient, to receive the incentive payment. The program payment will be in addition to MBS benefits paid (including bulk billing incentives).
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing (DHDA) advises that further details and instructions on how to register in BBPIP will be provided later this year. Registration for BBPIP will be available from 1 November 2025.
Accredited practices can prepare in advance, by registering for MyMedicare. Access information on how to register from our MyMedicare for Health Providers web page.
For more information on the payment split announcement, see the Minister’s media release Delivering the Bulk Billing Incentive Program | Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
Understanding bulk billing changes for GPs and practices – webinar recording
DHDA has also released a recording of the Understanding bulk billing changes for GPs and practices webinar held on 4 August.
View the video on the Department’s website: Understanding bulk billing changes for GPs and practices – Webinar recording | Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
More information
See our Bulk Billing Practice Incentives page for more details including links to further resources or email us on [email protected]