GP for Pollies

Where Medicare Money Goes

What 'Medicare budget' actually means - and what share goes to GP work.

MBS overview: 2023–24

565.2M

Total MBS servicessource

$29.6B

Total MBS benefits paidsource

GP non-referred attendances

202.1M

GP services (35.8% of total)source

$9.1B

GP benefits (30.7% of total)source

Primary care is broader than GP

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare also summarises primary care Medicare benefits for 2023–24 at about $11.0 billion, of which $9.0 billion is attributed to GP services - with the remainder largely allied health and nursing under Medicare. This frames GP care as both a major volume-driver and not the only "primary care" spend line.