1984
Medicare begins
Universal health insurance scheme launches. Early bulk billing rate around 51% (annual).
Outcome: Bulk billing ~51%
2004
Bulk billing incentive items introduced
Targeting concession card holders and children, scaled for regional/rural/remote areas.
Outcome: Bulk billing rises to ~71% by end of 2004
2005
"100% Medicare"
Medicare rebate for non-hospital GP attendances increased to 100% of the schedule fee (from 85%).
2014
Indexation freeze begins
MBS indexation freeze introduced (with later phased lifting; not all items re-indexed). AIHW notes impacts include higher out-of-pocket for those not bulk billed.
Outcome: Higher OOP for non-bulk-billed patients
2020
COVID-era settings
Temporary telehealth items and doubled bulk billing incentive schedule fees introduced.
Outcome: Bulk billing peak ~89% (annual), ~94% (monthly)
2023
Tripled bulk billing incentives
Tripled bulk billing incentives introduced for key groups as part of "Building a Stronger Medicare".
Outcome: Bulk billing ~77%
2025
Expanded BBI eligibility + BBPIP
From 1 November 2025, all Medicare-eligible patients became eligible for bulk billing incentive items. Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program (BBPIP) launched: 12.5% quarterly incentive on MBS revenue for practices that bulk bill all patients for all consultations.