About the review
The MRAC is conducting a review of long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC).
In June 2024, the Minister for Health , requested the MRAC undertake a phased review of MBS items for the insertion and removal of long-acting reversible contraceptives. This review is part of the Government’s commitment to invest in Women’s Health.
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.
| Member | Area of specialty or expertise |
|---|---|
| Professor Sally Green (Chair) | Health systems |
| Ms Jan Donovan | Consumer Representative |
| Conjoint Professor Anne Duggan (MRAC Chair) | Gastroenterologist |
| Associate Professor Elizabeth Marles | General Practice / Indigenous Health and Health Policy |
| Dr Sue Masel | Rural General Practice |
| Professor Rosalie Viney | Health Economist |
| Departmental Medical Adviser | |
| Associate Professor Andrew Singer | Principal 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 to consider how to more broadly support awareness and high-quality provision of these important services.
Status
The review is being undertaken in two phases. The MRAC recommendations relating to phase one of this review informed a number of changes from 1 November 2025, including increased fees for LARC items, introduction of new LARC administration items for nurse practitioners, and the introduction of loading items that will incentivise GPs, nurse practitioners and specialists to deliver LARC insertion and removal services at no cost to the patient.
Phase two of this review includes consideration of creating MBS items or other mechanisms to support payment specific to delivering LARC services by other health workers, such as endorsed midwives.
At the 19 August meeting, the committee endorsed the phase two recommendations of the LARC working group to be included in a Draft Report which will undergo an open consultation process. Feedback received from this process will be considered by the committee to help inform the Final Report which will be provided to government for consideration.
Activities to date
| Date | Activity |
|---|---|
| 19 August 2025 | The MRAC endorsed the phase two recommendations of the LARC working group |
| 22 July 2025 | Third meeting of LARC working group held |
| 5 May 2025 | Second meeting of LARC working group held |
| 9 February 2025 | Government announces funding package which supports LARC services to be provided to patients at low or no cost. Read the announcement |
| September 2024 | MRAC recommendations provided to government |
| 20 August 2024 | The MRAC endorsed the recommendations |
| 23 July 2024 | First meeting of LARC working group held |
| 16 July 2024 | Targeted stakeholder consultation workshop held |
Contact
