Historic investment in Medicare

The recent federal budget has included a record $3.5 billion investment in Medicare to triple the bulk billing incentive, which will benefit the Central Coast..

17 May 2023

 

FEDERAL Treasurer, Dr Jim Chalmers, visited Providence Medical Umin, alongside Federal Member for Robertson Dr Gordon Reid, to highlight how this historic investment will help thousands of people in the region access a doctor.

 

The Federal Treasurer Dr Jim Chalmers said that the recent federal budget is taking the pressure off the cost of living.

 

“People are under the pump which is why we carefully calibrated our budget to take some of the pressure off.” Dr Chalmers said.

 

“This is a budget that will really make a difference for people on the Central Coast. We’re delivering cheaper medicines and making it cheaper and easier to see a GP for tens of thousands of locals, at the same time as we deliver cheaper power bills and provide extra rental assistance to thousands more.

 

“Whether it’s cheaper medicines, more bulk billing or a bit of extra help to pay the rent – our budget will help local families and local businesses and create more opportunities for more people in this community to get ahead.

 

“The Central Coast is really lucky to have proactive local representatives like Gordon who are working hard to deliver policies that will ease the cost of living for people when they need it most."

 

Federal Member for Robertson, Dr Gordon Reid says people on the Central Coast will benefit from the Federal Government’s record investment in Medicare.

 

“As an emergency doctor, I know how important it is to be able to see a doctor when you are sick. The Albanese Labor Government’s $3.5 billion investment in Medicare and tripling of the bulk billing incentive will ensure people on the Central Coast will have greater access to their local GP," Dr Reid said.

 

“Around 73,000 people in Robertson will benefit from this investment in Medicare, and it will mean the incentive will increase from $6.60 to $20.65.

 

“The Federal Government is also reducing the cost of medicines by up to a half, which will benefit nearly 42,000 people in Robertson.

 

“I look forward to continuing to be a part of a Federal Government that is taking action to improve healthcare on the Central Coast, and strengthen Medicare.”