Medicare in 2025: What's Changing?
Medicare is not a static system — it evolves regularly through federal budget decisions, policy reviews, and changes to the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS). Staying informed about the latest updates helps you understand what services are available to you and how your out-of-pocket costs may be affected.
Note: The information below reflects general policy directions and publicly announced measures. Always check Services Australia and the Department of Health for the most current and official details.
Expanded Bulk Billing Incentives
In recent years, the Australian Government has introduced strengthened bulk billing incentive payments to encourage more GPs to bulk bill patients — particularly:
- Children under 16
- Pensioners and concession card holders
- People in rural and remote areas
These incentives pay GP practices an additional amount on top of the standard MBS rebate when they bulk bill eligible patients. The goal is to reduce out-of-pocket GP costs for vulnerable groups and ease pressure on emergency departments.
Telehealth Services: Here to Stay
Telehealth consultations — introduced rapidly during the pandemic — have been made a permanent part of the Medicare system. In 2025, Australians can continue to access GP consultations, specialist reviews, and mental health appointments via phone or video call, covered under Medicare where appropriate.
Key telehealth rules to be aware of:
- You generally need an existing relationship with your GP for ongoing telehealth
- Some specialist telehealth items require a referral
- Rural and remote patients have access to expanded telehealth entitlements
Mental Health Session Limits and Reviews
The number of Medicare-subsidised psychological therapy sessions available under the Better Access initiative continues to be reviewed. Historically, eligible patients could access up to 10 sessions per calendar year. Changes to access pathways and referral requirements are periodically updated — check with your GP for the current number of sessions available under your Mental Health Treatment Plan.
MBS Item Reviews
The Medicare Benefits Schedule Review Taskforce periodically assesses existing MBS items to ensure they reflect contemporary clinical evidence. In recent years, this has led to:
- New items being added for emerging treatments
- Some outdated items being removed or consolidated
- Fee adjustments to better reflect the cost of care
Patients are generally unaffected by these technical changes, but it is worth noting if you receive specialised treatment that may be subject to a review.
Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) Updates
While not strictly Medicare, the PBS often changes alongside MBS updates. In recent years, notable PBS listings have included medicines for chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. New listings can significantly reduce what patients pay for previously expensive medications.
My Health Record Enhancements
The Government continues to invest in the My Health Record system, which stores your medical history, test results, prescriptions, and discharge summaries online. Recent updates have focused on:
- Improved sharing between GPs, specialists, and hospitals
- Better integration with the Medicare app
- Increased patient control over who can access their records
Staying Up to Date
Medicare changes can affect your out-of-pocket costs, available services, and how you access care. To stay informed:
- Visit the Services Australia website regularly
- Check the Department of Health and Aged Care for policy announcements
- Talk to your GP about any changes that might affect your care plan
- Subscribe to government health newsletters if available
Being proactive about understanding Medicare changes ensures you're never caught off guard and can make the most of all the benefits available to you as an eligible Australian.