In 2023, significant changes to Medicare in Australia were introduced as part of the "Strengthening Medicare" initiative, primarily through the 2023-24 Federal Budget. Key changes focused on improving affordability and access to care, and included:
From 1 November 2025, significant updates to the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) came into effect across Australia. These changes introduced new rules for bulk billing, adjustments to mental health planning, updates to telehealth, and a wide range of amendments across general medical, imaging and pathology services.
To avoid the Medicare Levy Surcharge (MLS) in Australia, the primary method for high-income earners is to take out an appropriate private hospital insurance policy that covers you for the entire financial year (July 1 to June 30). This policy must have a low excess (under $750 for singles, $1500 for couples/families), not just 'extras' cover, and be in place before the financial year starts to avoid liability for any gaps, say Nanak Accountants and Qantas Insurance. Alternatively, you might be exempt if your income is below the threshold or you qualify for other specific Medicare levy exemptions, according to the ATO.
From 1 November 2025, Medicare benefits will only be payable for Better Access services where the mental health treatment plan, review of the mental health treatment plan and referrals has been undertaken at a patient's MyMedicare registered practice or by their usual medical practitioner.
You can use your Medicare card to access medical services, hospital services for public patients, surgical services, prescription medicines, eye tests, pathology tests, imaging and scans.
We believe everyone has the right to great sight. That's why we bulk bill. Simply present your valid Medicare card and receive a comprehensive eye examination at no out of pocket expense for you.
Original Medicare helps cover medical services like hospital stays, doctor visits and outpatient care. However, it doesn't cover prescription drugs or dental, vision and hearing services.
The Albanese Government is making the single largest investment in Medicare since its creation over 40 years ago, with our $8.5 billion package delivering on our commitment to more bulk billing and more doctors for all Australians.
Medicare Advantage plans are difficult to budget, and most plans have high out-of-pocket costs. This is the biggest reason they are bad for some people. With Original Medicare and supplemental Medicare insurance, you pay the bulk of your major medical costs upfront through monthly insurance premiums.
For example, the Medicare rebate for a standard consultation (Item 23) from 1 July 2025 is $43.90, which does not cover the full cost of a GP consultation. 🚫 Why Bulk Billing Is Unsustainable We understand the importance of accessible healthcare.
This is called the Medicare Levy Surcharge (MLS). The MLS is set by the Government and is designed to ease stress on the public system by encouraging people to use private hospital services. To avoid paying the MLS, you need private health cover that includes hospital treatments, not just extras or ambulance.
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Turning 60 in Australia primarily unlocks access to your superannuation (often tax-free if conditions met) and can make you eligible for a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC) for health cost help, but the Age Pension itself isn't available until age 67, though you might use super to ease into retirement with a Transition to Retirement pension.
Change to Hospital Only Services
On 1 March 2025, over 800 items in the MBS will be amended to remove the 85% out of hospital benefit.
Plans may offer extra benefits that Traditional Medicare doesn't cover, such as certain vision, hearing, and dental services. While MA plans may be less expensive than Traditional Medicare, they may offer fewer services and a more limited coverage network. Annual out-of-pocket costs are limited.
Best Medicare Supplement for seniors and retirees: AARP/UnitedHealthcare. AARP/UnitedHealthcare is the best company for Medigap plans in 2026. For most people, the best company for Medigap coverage is AARP/UnitedHealthcare.
Medicare Households Spend More on Health Care
Medicare households spend a larger share of their total budgets on health care than non-Medicare households, and more than one-third (36%) of beneficiaries delayed or skipped care in 2023 due to affordability concerns.
It is in addition to the Medicare Levy of 2%, which is paid by most Australian taxpayers. The Medicare Levy Surcharge (MLS) is a levy paid by Australian tax payers who do not have private hospital cover and who earn above a certain income.
U.S. healthcare spending per capita is twice the average of other wealthy countries
There are 3 types of Medicare cards that come in the following colours: green, for standard Medicare cards. blue, for interim Medicare cards. yellow, for Reciprocal Health Care Agreement Medicare cards.
While purely cosmetic surgeries are not covered by Medicare, medically necessary plastic and reconstructive surgeries often are. For surgery to qualify, it must serve a functional purpose or address significant health concerns rather than purely aesthetic improvements.
Yes, Medicare Australia covers CT scans for eligible patients, but coverage depends on the specific scan, your medical need, and if the provider bulk bills; you'll need a valid doctor's referral, and some scans (like for lung cancer screening) are now mandatory bulk-billed, while others may involve out-of-pocket "gap" fees, with Medicare Safety Nets available for high costs.
Medicare does not generally cover routine foot care (RFC) services unless the enrollee has systemic medical conditions that increase the risk of infection or injury if the services are not performed by a medical nonprofessional (e.g., a podiatrist).