New figures announced today (February 11, 2026) reveal that, in just three months, the number of fully bulking medical practices in Gilmore has more than doubled thanks to the Albanese Labor Government’s GP bulk billing incentives.
For the first time, bulk billing incentives will be paid to GPs for every patient they bulk bill on the south Coast. Previously, these incentives were only available to children under 16 and concession card holders.
Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips said there were 32 fully bulk billing practices now operating across the electorate.
“Since the incentives were expanded on November 1, 2025, I’m pleased that additional local medical centres have transitioned to fully bulk billing,” Mrs Phillips said.
“This means it’s easier for people in Gilmore to see a doctor, and it’s saving families hundreds of dollars a year in out-of-pocket expenses by using their Medicare Card, not their credit card.
“It’s particularly great to see practices in smaller towns and villages, like Surf Beach, Broulee, Sussex Inlet, Culburra, Shoalhaven Heads and Gerringong signing on to offer fully bulk billed services.”
Mrs Phillips said the incentive was “an absolute game changer”.
“It means people don’t have to travel too far to see a doctor for free in their own community,” she added.
“More and more local GPs and medical practice managers are taking up the bulk billing incentives because they know it’s good for business and great for the hip pockets of local people.
“They want to make a difference in their communities, and they want to help their patients - many who are older with multiple health conditions and, of course, young families who are feeling the cost-of-living pinch.”
Thanks to the Albanese Labor Government’s historic investment, new data shows Australians can now access over 3,400 Medicare Bulk Billing Practices across the country. The number continues to grow every week. Almost 1,300 of these practices were previously mixed billing.
In just three months, the bulk billing rate for all Australians has jumped to 81.4 per cent nationwide. This is the largest quarterly jump in bulk billing in 20 years (outside of the COVID pandemic).
There has been an increase in the GP bulk billing rate in every state and territory and there are more fully bulk billing practices in every state and territory.
Australians can now find their closest Medicare Bulk Billing Practice at health.gov.au/bulk-billing.
PHOTO: Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips with St Georges Basin Medical Centre practice manager Jason Morris and Doctor Eva Morris who have signed on as a fully bulk billing practice.
