Mr Mark Butler
Member for Hindmarsh
PO Box 2038
Port Adelaide SA 5015

22 February 2024

RE: Save Our Medicare Bulk Billing From Collapse By Increasing Funding

Dear Mr Butler,

I am writing as one of your constituents to express my concerns regarding inadequate Medicare rebates for patients, causing many General Practitioners to drop Bulk Billing.

A recent 9News article titled “Australians warned bulk-billing system at risk of collapse", highlighted that almost 40% of GPs are no longer financially placed to offer Bulk Billing or are leaving the profession. Hundreds of our remaining Billing clinics are struggling to stay open, which will leave our most vulnerable members of society without access to basic health care.

Medicare is severely underfunded. Rebates have not kept pace with inflation and rising medical costs. The Medicare rebate has only increased by 12% between 2010 and 2020, while healthcare cost have increased 39% during the same time period. 

Dr Umair Masood from the Australian Society of General Practice said, "The bulk billing model will collapse in the next one to two years".

I am writing to you as my elected representative because I want to fight to keep our universal healthcare. In order to save our universal healthcare we need to:

- Increase Medicare rebates for Bulk Billing services
- Back “Strengthening Medicare” Taskforce recommendations

Your willingness to take action now will demonstrate your support for Medicare and the health of every Australian regardless of age, background or wealth. Thank you for your commitment.

Yours Faithfully,