Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program (BBPIP)/ Better Access

The Australian Government has announced its intention to expand bulk billing eligibility to all Australians and introduce a Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program for practices registered with MyMedicare, starting 1 November 2025.

CESPHN Bulk Billing Flowchart and Useful Links

EXPANDED BULK BILLING ELIGIBILITY:

Starting 1 November 2025, all Australians with a valid Medicare card will be eligible for bulk billing incentives. This marks a major expansion from the current eligibility, which is limited to:

• Children under 16
• Commonwealth Concession Card holders

This change allows all general practices to participate in the expanded bulk billing program.

BULK BILLING PRACTICE INCENTIVE PROGRAM (BBPIP):

The Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program (BBPIP) introduces a new financial incentive for practices registered with MyMedicare.

Key Features:

• A 12.5% loading payment on every dollar of MBS benefit earned from GP non-referred attendance (NRA) services.
• The incentive will be shared between the GP and the practice. 12.5% payment split evenly (50/50) between GPs and practices that bulk bill all Medicare-eligible patients for all eligible services. BBPIP requires that all GPs at the Practice bulk bill all eligible services for all Medicare-eligible patients.

Participation Requirements:

To be eligible for BBPIP, practices must:

• Commit to bulk billing all GP NRA services
• Advertise their participation within the practice and on Healthdirect’s National Health Services Directory
• Be registered with MyMedicare
  (Note: MyMedicare Accreditation Exemption From 1 November 2025, practices not yet registered with MyMedicare can access an exemption from accreditation requirements if they intend to register and participate in BBPIP.  More information to come.)

Bulk Billing Incentives Calculator

A new calculator has been released for general practice owners, managers and individual general practitioners to estimate annual earnings from Medicare bulk billing incentives (BBIs) and the new Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program (BBPIP), starting 1 November 2025. Access to the Bulk Billing Incentives Calculator can be obtained here.

A Bulk Billing Incentives Calculator User Guide is also available explaining how to use the calculator.

An Expression of Interest (EOI) form is also available here for providers that intend to join the Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program. Practices that complete the EOI form will be mailed communications material for their practice to display from 1 November when they register for BBPIP.

Webinar with Wendy O’Meara Navigating the Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program (BBPIP)

For further information and resources:

• Department of Health and Aged Care website  
• Upcoming changes to bulk billing incentives in general practice | Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
• Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program – FAQs for practices and providers

• Impact of bulk billing investments on GP earnings and billings 
• Strengthening Medicare with more bulk billing – patient and provider case studies | Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
• MYMEDINFO16-Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program (BBPIP) Key steps to participate in BBPIP
• Email enquiry box: bulkbillingpractice@health.gov.au 
• Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program Inquiry Line: 1800 565 782 

Better Access INITATIVE november 1st

The Australian Government is updating the Better Access initiative to improve continuity and integration of mental health care.

What’s Changing?

Mental Health Treatment Plans (MHTPs), referrals, and reviews must be provided by:

A GP or Prescribed Medical Practitioner (PMP) at the patient’s MyMedicare-enrolled practice, or

The patient’s usual medical practitioner, even if not enrolled in MyMedicare.

MHTP review and ongoing mental health consultation items will be removed from the MBS:

Items affected include: 2712, 92114, 92126, 277, 92120, 92132, 2713, 92115, 92127, 279, 92121, and 92133.

GPs and PMPs will instead use time-tiered general attendance items for reviews, referrals, and consultations.

Telehealth services for MHTPs will now require an established clinical relationship, aligning with MyMedicare or usual practitioner rules.

Why These Changes Matter

Supports continuity of care by linking mental health services to a patient’s regular provider.

Encourages integrated care for both physical and mental health needs.

Aligns with the stepped care model for mental health treatment.

Support for Practitioners

Guidance materials will be provided to help GPs and PMPs navigate referral practices and deliver care based on patient needs.

Better Access Initiative Changes

Better Access User Guide
MBS ONLINE

For support on MyMedicare and associated program, please contact CESPHN at practicesupport@cesphn.com.au