Latest Medicare Statistics

According to data released by the Minister for Health, Tony Abbott, Australians are paying twice as much out of their own pockets for Medicare services as they did 10 years ago. In 1996-97 the average annual out of pocket cost was $41.23 per person ($8.52 per visit). In 2005-06 the annual average out of pocket cost has reached $70.30 per person ($15.30 per visit). In 1996-97 the average annual out of pocket cost to see a specialist was $15.58. In 2005-06 the average annual out of pocket cost to see a specialist is $34.09.

Figures for the June quarter 2006 show GP bulk-billing has increased to 76.6% – the highest level for five years and a rise for the 10th consecutive quarter. The rate of bulk-billing for children increased to 83.8% and the rate of bulk-billing in rural areas increased to 71.3%. These are the highest rates since Medicare began, more than 20 years ago