What's new?

The changes, effective 1 July 2026, now include:

• Regulatory amendments to support a 12-month transition period. 
• Verbal consent will be accepted in all settings for 12 months from 1 July 2026.
• From 1 July 2026, patients registered with MyMedicare, residents of aged care homes, and patients of ACCHOs and AMSs will be able to make an enduring assignment of benefit for ongoing GP bulk billed services, either directly or through a person acting on their behalf.  Specifically; 
• A patient registered with MyMedicare will be able to make one enduring agreement to receive services from all general practitioners at their MyMedicare practice, if offered.
• A patient of an ACCHO or AMS will be able to make an enduring agreement with the ACCHO or AMS, and they will be able to have multiple agreements with multiple ACCHS or AMS.
• A patient living in a residential aged care home will be able to make multiple enduring agreements with different practitioners.
• Compliance will not commence until regulatory changes are complete and will begin with prevention and education.

These regulatory amendments are being progressed as a priority. The Department is regularly updating its frequently asked questions (FAQs) which clarify the Assignment of Benefit changes, including what the changes mean practically. These will be updated to reflect the enduring agreements and how these can be established.

The Department will use the 12-month transition period to explore other regulatory and legislative options to further reduce the administrative burden on both GP practices and patients while ensuring the integrity of Medicare is maintained.

The Department recognises the substantial efforts by those who are working towards implementation.

Background to the AoB changes:

• It has been a longstanding requirement under Health Insurance Act 1973 (the Act) that for bulk billing to occur, a patient (or another person on behalf of a patient as appropriate) must assign their Medicare benefit to the provider in exchange for not incurring any out-of-pocket costs.
•  In January 2023, the Australian National Audit Office released a report which noted that there could be legal risks with undertaking the AoB process verbally, without the requirement for the patient to sign. The Minister for Health, Disability and Ageing responded by asking the department to modernise the process of assigning benefits which will make it easier, safer, and more efficient for everyone.

If you need support, please contact your Provider Support Officer or email providersupport@semphn.org.au.