Bulk Billing

Medical bills can add up and people may face difficulties when required to pay for the medical services they obtain from a healthcare professional. Fortunately, the Australian Government implements a scheme called bulk billing, whereby the individual obtaining medical services will not be required to pay for them. Instead, the health professional will bill the Australian Government and accept the Medicare benefit as full payment for the service.

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The name bulk billing comes from the practice of the healthcare professional billing a collection of consultation services to Medicare at the same time or paying them in bulk.

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You can be bulk billed if you are enrolled in Medicare and your health professional chooses to bulk bill. However, bulk billing is not a service available at all healthcare centres, so before making an appointment, check if your healthcare professional bulk bills. If not, you will be required to pay for your appointment. You may still be able to claim a portion of the amount from the Government, however.

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If your healthcare professional does not bulk bill, you can ask them about the expected gap payment. This is the difference between the total amount you are charged and required to pay and your Medicare benefit.

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There are several ways in which you can claim your Medicare benefit; at your doctor’s office, through your Medicare Online account, by mail, and via the Express Plus mobile app.

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Services that bulk billing cover include visits to general practitioners and specialists that bulk bill, tests and scans like x-rays and pathology tests, and eye tests performed by optometrists. You may also get bulk billed services if you have a concession or health care card.