Australians tell ABC's Your Say bulk-billing and dental coverage in Medicare will sway their vote this election

24 April 2024
ABC News

In elections, health is huge. In every way.   

It's always near the top of voter concerns — and the sheer scope of the way it touches our lives is unlike any other part of government.



Australia's Medicare system of universal health care is popular. That's why Anthony Albanese is constantly flashing a Medicare card on the campaign trail, and the Coalition wasted little time matching Labor's campaign promises on Medicare spending. 

Anthony Albanese holds up a Medicare card as he speaks animatedly.
A Medicare card has made a frequent appearance during Anthony Albanese's campaign. (ABC News:)

Australia's Medicare system of universal health care is popular. That's why you're seeing this on the campaign.

Your Say is telling us Australians want Medicare to work. And also telling us where it doesn't. So let's look at a few, and start at the top — bulk-billing.

Bulk-billing
There are times when my husband or I are unwell but have had a tough month so we can't afford to go to our GP and pay $48 for a visit. — Kylie, Melton, Vic

Bulk-billing is at the core of what it means to have a universal health care system — that you shouldn't have to pay to see a GP.

But finding one has been getting harder.

Last year, 78 per cent of doctors bulk-billed their patients — down from a high of nearly 90 per cent five years ago.

It's highest in low-income areas — where it should be — at nearly 90 per cent. 

But it can still be difficult to find, especially in the bush.

My regular doctor who used to bulk-bill me has moved cities and the other doctors at the practice won't — which leaves me short of food on the fortnights I need script renewals. — Shaun, Deeragun, Qld

A doctor using a stethoscope on a patient.
The number of bulk billing GPs has dropped over the past five years, especially in rural areas. (ABC News:)

So what are the parties offering on bulk-billing?

Labor

$8.5 billion to Medicare
90 per cent bulk-billing by 2030
400 nursing scholarships
2,000 new GP trainees a year by 2028
50 new urgent care clinics
$573 million women's health
$25 cap on PBS medicines
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Labor has promised $8.5 billion to Medicare, which it says is the single largest investment in the scheme since it was created in 1984.

That will go towards a target of 90 per cent bulk-billing by 2030 — with more incentives for doctors to bulk-bill more patients, and train more doctors and nurses, and more urgent care clinics.

But doctors say that still won't be enough to reach the government's target of 90 per cent.

Labor has also committed $573 million to women's health, and promised to cap the price of PBS medicines at $25.

Coalition

$8.5 billion to Medicare
$573 million women's health
$25 cap on PBS medicines
The Coalition quickly matched Labor's promises on Medicare, women's health, and medicines.

Greens   

$195 billion to Medicare
Mental health included
Dental care included
The Greens are pitching a massive expansion of Medicare — nearly $200 billion over 10 years — to fully include mental health and dental care for the first time.

Where would the money come from? According to the Greens policy statement, from taxing big companies.   

"Right now, one in three corporations pay no tax. By making big corporations pay their fair share, we can expand Medicare, reduce out-of-pocket costs, and ensure all Australians have access to the healthcare services they deserve."

Read more about health and the federal election:
Survey suggests most GPs won't exclusively bulk-bill even with Medicare promises
What the major parties' health pledges mean for you
Voters swayed by cost of GP, dentist visits and the mental health crisis
Dental
If the government is serious about reducing the cost of healthcare in Australia, they need to introduce universal dental care to all Australians. — Bridgette, Casuarina, NT   

Dental has come up a lot in Your Say, and the Greens have been campaigning hard on their platform to fully include dental health in Medicare.

But dental doesn't get a mention in the health platforms of either Labor or the Coalition.   

As for putting dental into Medicare, Labor says … one day.

A dental chair seen from above.
The Greens want dental to be covered by Medicare but neither of the major parties have addressed it this election. (ABC News:)

I’m with you but there are very very good reasons why the government fears too act with dental.

A quick look at “ care plans” .

If you actually qualified for one you could, for example, gain five free visits to a physiotherapist.

As happened in every professionals business. People would miss appointments.

But of course the health professionals still got ( via) the taxpayer paid for services not received.

There has been a very, very quiet crackdown on this and of course not one health professional was charged with larceny or ask repay the millions that they stole.

Opening up bulk billing dentist would become a much, much bigger rort.

You show far too much trust in human behaviour.

A dentist will drill a hole in a good tooth just to fill the it and charge you a extra $150 on top the exam fee.

Does anyone really believe these “ people “ wouldn’t take full advantage of being able too bulk bill and inflated health issues for their own personal $$$$$$$ gain?

What planet do you live on?

Bulk billing has gone down under Albo and Labor.

My local GP stopped bulk billing last year.
The only people who get bulk billed in my area are those on welfare with HCC.

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Bulk billing has gone down under Labor.

Albo is a typical con man in offering to fix a problem he created.