If you work in a community organisation, you are invited to complete this survey about access to GP services and bulk biling in the ACT.
To find a bulk billing practices near you, please visit GP (General practice) in Canberra, ACT 2600 | healthdirect.
If you are health consumer, you are invited to complete this survey about access to GP services and bulk billing in the ACT.
To find bulk billing practices near you, please visit GP (General practice) in Canberra, ACT 2600 - healthdirect.
CHN (Capital Health Network | ACT PHN Needs Assessments - 2024-2027 ACT PHN Needs Assessment)
Medicare bulk billing and out-of-pocket costs of GP attendances over time (Medicare bulk billing and out-of-pocket costs of GP attendances over time, Out-of-pocket costs for GP attendances - Australian Institute of Health and Welfare)
Bulk billing rates have increased nationally since the introduction of Medicare in 1984, reaching a peak during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 with a national annual GP bulk billing rate of 89%.
The annual GP bulk-billing rate declined on two occasions following periods of sustained growth due to a range of factors, including rising practice operational costs, workforce pressures, evolving patient demand, and changes to Medicare Benefits Schedule arrangements.
Between 2020 and 2023, the national bulk billing rates declined significantly. While the rates for people under 16 and over 65 have increased since 2023, at 91% and 89% respectfully, that for people aged 16-65 remain substantially lower at 77%.
The ACT has the lowest bulk billing rate in Australia. In the March 2026 quarter, 54.1% of GP consultations were bulk billed in the ACT, compared to an average of 81.9% nationwide.
For the same quarter, the average out of pocket cost for a GP consultation in the ACT was $68.72, compared to $61.22 nationwide.
