New Medicare health check for 3-year-old children

A new Medicare health check for 3-year-olds is now available, as part of the Australian Government’s rollout of Thriving Kids.
 
The 3-year-old Medicare Healthy Kids check was recommended by the Thriving Kids Advisory Group to support interventions prior to children starting primary school and help them to achieve their potential when they do start school.
 
Doctors will assess a child’s physical, social and emotional development and wellbeing, to assist in identifying any health and developmental concerns and/or neurodevelopmental differences.
 
The health check, available as of 1 November, complements existing services including those provided by state and territory governments and if needed, could include referral to Thriving Kids or other supports, or further monitoring and assessment.
 
One check per lifetime will be available to all 3-year-olds who are eligible for Medicare via an appointment with a doctor.
 
Any aged child who requires assessment, or 3-year-olds who need more than one assessment, can continue to have assessments through existing Medicare items.
 
Quotes attributable to Minister Butler:
 
“We want kids to have the best start in life, and we want their parents to have the answers they need.
 
“We have reintroduced the 3-year-old Medicare Healthy Kids check after it was abolished a decade ago, by the former Abbott Government.
 
“The new check gives GPs the tools to identify kids with any health and developmental concerns or neurodevelopmental differences, so they can get additional help.”
 
Quotes attributable to RACGP President Dr Michael Wright:
 
“A well-funded, dedicated health check for every three-year-old won’t just support Thriving Kids, it’ll support every child’s future health.
 
“When GPs can spend the time they need with kids and parents, they can identify potential health and developmental concerns early and help families access appropriate support so every child starts school healthy and ready to learn.
 
“We called the Government’s commitment for this check a win for families, and GPs are ready to support every child to thrive.”