Government Delays Medicare Benefit Changes After AMA Raises Concerns
18 Jun 2026
The changes, due to begin on 1 July, are part of efforts by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing to modernise Medicare processes and move away from paper-based benefit assignments. However, many practices reported that the planned arrangements would be difficult to implement, particularly in aged care services and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs).
Following discussions between the AMA, the department and the Health Minister’s office, several concessions have been introduced to support the transition. Verbal assignment of benefit for all bulk-billed patients will remain available during the next 12 months across all healthcare settings.
The Government has also brought forward enduring assignment of benefit arrangements to 1 July 2026. This will allow MyMedicare-registered patients, aged care residents and patients attending ACCHOs and Aboriginal Medical Services (AMSs) to use ongoing benefit assignments for GP bulk-billed services.
The Department will use the transition period to explore additional options to reduce administrative burden for practices and patients while maintaining Medicare safeguards.
The AMA welcomed the changes, saying they provide practices with more time to update systems and adjust workflows without concerns about compliance action. The organisation also called for clearer communication and ongoing guidance as the new arrangements are introduced.
Government Delays Medicare Benefit Changes After AMA Raises Concerns
Source: Australian Medical Association (AMA)