Bulk billing time limit cut to a year

As of this month, GPs will need to submit bulk-billing claims to Services Australia within a year for them to be eligible for automatic payment.  
 
The restriction, which was announced in the 2024–25 Federal Budget, came into effect on 5 September this year.
 
They reduce the current time limit from two years in a measure to ‘improve the integrity of Medicare,’ according to the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing (DoHDA).
 
It means that that any bulk-billed service that has taken place from 5 September onwards will be automatically paid only if it is claimed within one year. 
 
Any bulk-billed service that took place before 5 September can still be claimed up to two years from the date of service.
 
According to the DoHDA, the measure is likely to have little impact as most bulk-billed claims are already made within one year.
 
Officials said that ‘existing arrangements to apply for late lodgement of claims outside of the allowable timeframe remain in place’.
 
RACGP members with questions or concerns can contact healthreform@racgp.org.au.
 
Log in below to join the conversation.
 

bulk billing DoHDA Services Australia