Better health and ageing for all Australians

Media Releases

No means test on bulk billing

The Federal Minister for Health and Ageing, Senator Kay Patterson, said the Government would not means test bulk billing of patient visits to a general practitioner. The Government believes in retaining universal access to Medicare.

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KP04/03
February 10, 2003

No means test on bulk billing

The Howard Government will not means test access to bulk billing.

The Federal Minister for Health and Ageing, Senator Kay Patterson, said the Government would not means test bulk billing of patient visits to a general practitioner.

"We believe in retaining universal access to Medicare. This cannot be guaranteed by the Labor Party", she said.

"My guarantee is not something that Opposition Health spokesman Stephen Smith can repeat.

"He is on the record saying that he would introduce differential Medicare rebates for people living in regional and rural areas.

"That means the principle of Medicare treating people the same regardless of where they live or their personal circumstances will be breached for the first time.

"I can guarantee that we will not undermine the universal principle of Medicare, however, Mr Smith can not do the same."

Senator Patterson said it was time for Mr Smith to come clean on the plan by his State colleague, New South Wales Health Minister Craig Knowles, to force people in public hospitals to declare if they have private health insurance.

"This is yet another example of Labor undermining the principle of universal access to Medicare."

Media inquiries, contact Randal Markey, Media Adviser, Senator Patterson's office, 02 6277 7220.