Bulk billing and MyMedicare in 2026: what changed and what it means for you
A clear explainer on bulk billing and MyMedicare: how bulk billing works, the national changes introduced in November 2025, who is eligible and how registering with your regular practice can help.
Morisset Doctors Health Journal · · 4 min readBulk billing is one of the most searched health topics in Australia, and for good reason. Seeing a GP without an out-of-pocket cost matters to families, older Australians and anyone managing a tight budget. This guide explains how bulk billing works, what changed nationally in late 2025, and how MyMedicare fits in.
What bulk billing means
When a consultation is bulk billed, the practice claims the Medicare benefit directly from Services Australia and accepts it as full payment. You do not pay a gap and you do not need to claim a rebate yourself. To be bulk billed you need a valid Medicare card, or a Department of Veterans' Affairs card, and the practice needs to offer bulk billing for that service.
Each practice sets its own billing policy. Some services, such as certain procedures, forms, private assessments and privately purchased vaccines, may attract a fee even at a bulk billing practice.
The national bulk billing changes from November 2025
From 1 November 2025, the Australian Government expanded GP bulk billing incentives so they apply to all Medicare card holders, not only children and concession card holders. A new incentive program was also introduced for practices that bulk bill every eligible patient, which is designed to make it more viable for clinics to offer bulk billing across the board.
These changes are national, but how they apply at any individual clinic depends on that practice's billing policy. The simplest way to know what you will pay is to check with the clinic before you book.
Who is bulk billed at Morisset Doctors
Morisset Doctors is a bulk billing practice. GP consultations are bulk billed for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card, including children 15 and under, patients 65 and over with a pension or Health Care Card, and all other pension and Health Care Card holders.
Some services attract a fee, including ADHD assessment, forms and reports, privately purchased vaccines and consumables for some procedures. Reception will always tell you before you book.
What MyMedicare is
MyMedicare is a free, voluntary program that lets you formally register with the general practice you usually attend. Registration links you, your preferred GP and the practice together in the Medicare system.
Being registered can give access to longer telehealth consultations that are bulk billed, and supports better continuity of care, which means the team looking after you has a clearer picture of your health over time.
How to register for MyMedicare
To register you generally need a valid Medicare or DVA card and to have had a set number of visits with the practice over the previous 24 months. Morisset Doctors patients can register online using the practice's MyMedicare registration form on HotDoc. You can also register through your Medicare online account via myGov, the Express Plus Medicare app, or by completing a paper form at reception.
Once you nominate Morisset Doctors as your practice and choose a preferred GP, the practice confirms the registration. You can change your registered practice later if your circumstances change.
Register for MyMedicareBulk billing, private billing and mixed billing
Practices in Australia generally follow one of three approaches. A fully bulk billing practice bulk bills every eligible patient. A private billing practice charges a fee, and you claim part of it back from Medicare. A mixed billing practice bulk bills some patients, such as children or concession card holders, and charges others a fee.
If you are charged a fee, the Medicare rebate can usually be paid straight into your bank account at the time of your visit if your details are linked to Medicare. The difference between the fee and the rebate is your out-of-pocket cost.
Telehealth and bulk billing
Telehealth consultations by phone or video can be convenient for follow-ups, results and repeat scripts. Medicare rules require that, for most telehealth services, you have an established relationship with the practice, generally meaning you have been seen face to face within the past 12 months, or that you are registered through MyMedicare.
MyMedicare registration is what enables access to some longer bulk billed telehealth consultations with your registered practice.
Concession cards, DVA and other cards
If you hold a Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card or Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, bring it to your appointments and make sure reception has the current details. Cards are reissued periodically, and an expired card on file can cause billing issues.
Veterans with a DVA Gold or White card are covered for eligible services under DVA arrangements. If you are unsure whether your card applies, ask reception before your consultation.
Tips for keeping your costs predictable
Keep your Medicare card details up to date and bring any concession cards to each visit. Ask at booking whether the appointment type you need has any associated costs, and let reception know if your circumstances have changed, such as receiving a new Health Care Card.
If cost is a concern, say so. Reception can explain options and help you choose the right appointment.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to register for MyMedicare to be bulk billed?
No. Bulk billing eligibility is based on the practice's billing policy and your Medicare eligibility. MyMedicare registration offers extra benefits such as longer bulk billed telehealth.
What if I forget my Medicare card?
Let reception know. They can often look up your details, or explain what is needed.
Can I register for MyMedicare at the clinic?
Yes. Ask reception for the paper form at your next visit, or register online any time using the Morisset Doctors MyMedicare form on HotDoc.
Book nowBulk billed for eligible patientsThis article provides general health information only and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Everyone's situation is different. Please book an appointment to discuss your own health. In an emergency, call 000.
