All Ways Healthcare has now transitioned its Cessnock and Kurri centres to be fully bulk billed, meaning every patient who walks through their doors can see a GP without pulling out their wallet.
This move is part of the Albanese Government’s historic $8.5 billion investment in Medicare, the single biggest investment since Medicare was created over 40 years ago.
The investment will deliver:
- 18 million extra bulk billed GP visits every year nationwide
- Hundreds of new nursing scholarships
- Thousands more doctors trained under the largest GP training program ever
- Medicare payments for standard consults at regional bulk billing practices almost doubled from November this year
Since the Albanese Government tripled the bulk billing incentive for pensioners, concession card holders and children in 2023, 9 out of 10 visits for these groups have already been bulk billed. By 2030, the investment will see 9 out of 10 GP visits bulk billed for everyone, tripling the number of fully bulk billed practices across the country.
Quotes attributable to Minister Butler:
“The most important thing for patients now though when they walk through the doors here in the Hunter, they can be reassured all they’ll need for their appointment is a Medicare card, not a credit card.
“Clinics across the country are moving to fully bulk billing because they know it is better for them and their patients.
“Labor created Medicare and the Albanese Government will always strengthen Medicare.
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Hunter, Dan Repacholi:
“People should only need their Medicare card, not their credit card, to see a doctor.
“This is a massive win for families in the Hunter, especially in Cessnock and Kurri, and it is proof that Labor is delivering on Medicare, just like we promised.
“Under the Liberals’ Medicare freeze, bulk billing was on life support. Now, thanks to Labor’s investment, more clinics are opening their doors to bulk billing every single patient, making healthcare more affordable when people need it most.”
Quotes attributable to All Ways Healthcare Cessnock GP Dr Riajul Hasan:
"I have been part of team here at All Ways Healthcare Cessnock for the past 2 years in the Urgent Care clinic and as a GP.
“In just the past few weeks I can see the difference it has made due to the improved affordability.
“This means patients don’t have to choose between their food bill and medical bill and I can take the time and care knowing they can book in for more appointments if they need to."