Access to bulk billing GPs
Consumer Survey: Access to GP Services and Bulk Billing in the ACT
Did you know?
National bulk billing rate
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%.
Bulk billing rates decline
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.
National bulk billing rates for people from different age groups
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%.
ACT Bulk Billing Rates
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.
Out of pocket costs
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.