What's been happening with Strengthening Medicare, and Primary Care Reform.

Strengthening Medicare is a government initiative aimed at improving Australia’s primary healthcare system. By enhancing access, affordability, and quality of care, it supports general practitioners, multidisciplinary teams, and digital health innovations. 

Australia’s Primary Health Care 10-Year Plan (2022–2032), Strengthening Medicare, and Primary Care Reform align closely in their vision to enhance primary healthcare through greater access, improved quality, and sustainability. 

The Primary Health Care 10-Year Plan provides the long-term strategic framework, while Strengthening Medicare and Primary Care Reform are practical, immediate reforms aimed at implementing these strategies. 

In 2024, the Australian Government introduced several key measures under the Strengthening Medicare initiative:

1. MyMedicare: A voluntary patient registration model designed to formalize relationships between patients, their general practitioners (GPs), and primary care teams.
2. Increased Bulk Billing Incentives: To alleviate out-of-pocket expenses for vulnerable populations, the government raised Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) bulk billing incentive payments.
3. Medicare Urgent Care Clinics (UCCs): Establishment of UCCs across the country provides bulk-billed care for patients with urgent but non-life-threatening conditions.
4. Expansion of Home Care Packages: Aiming to reduce wait times and support older Australians preferring to receive care in their homes, promoting independence and comfort.
5. General Practice in Aged Care Incentive: Aims to strengthen primary care in aged care settings, ensuring better health outcomes and quality of life for older adults. By supporting general practitioners (GPs) with additional funding and resources, GPACI encourages regular visits, comprehensive care planning, and improved coordination of medical services for aged care residents.

2025 will see several new initiatives and programs under the agenda of Strengthening Medicare and Primary Care Reform.  

1. Chronic Wound Consumables Program: From May 2025, the Chronic Wound Consumables Scheme (CWCS) will cover the cost of wound consumable products for older people aged 65 and over, or First Nations people aged 50 and over, who have diabetes and a chronic wound
2. Chronic Conditions Management: From 1st July 2025 MBS items will be changing. These changes aim to support patients with one of more chronic condition/s that would benefit from a structured approach to their care. Providing access to allied health and other services for patients that would benefit from multidisciplinary team care.
3. Better Access Mental Health Care Plans – linked to MyMedicare from 1 November 2025, with referrals to these plans to be made by a GP at a person’s MyMedicare registered GP practice; or if they are not registered, by their usual GP. 

For further information on. 

• Strengthening Medicare About the Strengthening Medicare measures | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care
• Australia’s Primary Health Care 10 Year Plan Australia’s Primary Health Care 10 Year Plan 2022–2032 | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care
• MyMedicare MyMedicare | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care
• Chronic Conditions Management changes - Upcoming changes to MBS Chronic Disease Management Arrangements | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care
• GPACI  General Practice in Aged Care Incentive | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care 

Strengthening Medicare, and Primary Care Reform