Review of long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC)

Learn about how the Medical Benefits Schedule (MBS) Review Advisory Committee (MRAC) is reviewing long-acting reversible contraceptive MBS items.

About the review

The MRAC is conducting a review of long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC).

In June 2024, the Minister for Health and Aged Care, requested the MRAC undertake a phased review of MBS items for the insertion and removal of long-acting reversible contraceptives as part of the Government’s commitment to improving women’s health outcomes.

A working group was established to lead this review and report back to the full committee on its findings.

Who we work with

The Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARC) working group members lead this review and report back to the full committee on its findings.

Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARC) working group members

MemberArea of specialty or expertise
Professor Sally Green (Chair)Health systems
Ms Jan DonovanConsumer Representative
Conjoint Professor Anne Duggan (MRAC Chair)Gastroenterologist
Adjunct Associate Professor Chris HelmsNurse Practitioner
Associate Professor Elizabeth MarlesGeneral Practice / Indigenous Health and Health Policy
Dr Sue MaselRural General Practice
Professor Rosalie VineyHealth Economist
Departmental Medical Adviser 
Associate Professor Andrew SingerPrincipal Medical Adviser, Department of Health

Why the review is important

A review of LARC MBS items will support the Government’s ongoing commitment to improve health outcomes for women and girls in Australia, including providing an opportunity for the Department of Health and Aged Care to consider how to more broadly support awareness and high-quality provision of these important services.

Status

A targeted stakeholder consultation workshop was held in mid-July regarding MBS items for long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) insertion and removal.

The LARC working group met in July 2024 and developed draft recommendations for phase one of the review to be considered by the MRAC.

The recommendations were endorsed by the MRAC at their August 2024. Initial advice will be provided to government for consideration.

The LARC Working Group are expected to meet in early 2025 to undertake the second phase of this review.

Further consultation processes are scheduled to occur for the initial and the secondary stages of this review.

Activities to date

DateActivity
20 August 2024 The MRAC endorsed the recommendations 
23 July 2024First meeting of LARC working group held
16 July 2024Targeted stakeholder consultation workshop held

Contact

MBS Continuous Review contact

Contact us with questions about the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) Continuous Review.
Date last updated:

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