Sunshine Coast residents still face limited bulk billing GP options, despite major federal funding aimed at boosting access to free medical care.
Government-funded Health Direct data shows bulk billing GP practices across the Sunshine Coast region increased from 10 in 2022 to 16 in 2026.
While this represents growth, the increase in fully bulk-billed clinics remains relatively modest compared to recent federal incentives and targets.
From 1 November 2025, the Federal Government expanded bulk-billing incentives, in a move it said would help triple the number of fully bulk-billing GP practices and make it easier for patients to access no-cost GP visits.
The 2025–26 Budget included a $7.9 billion investment in Medicare, aimed at delivering an extra 18 million bulk-billed GP visits each year by 2030, with nine in 10 GP visits expected to be bulk billed.
Under the changes, fully bulk-billing practices will receive additional quarterly payments on top of existing Medicare rebates.
For bulk billing regional and rural practices, the payment for a standard consultation rose from $42.85 to up to $84.86 depending on location, almost double the rate.
However, not all health experts believe the changes are translating into significant local improvements.
Australian Medical Association Queensland president Dr Nick Yim said the organisation has long advocated for an overall increase in Medicare rebates for all health services, rather than bulk billing incentives.
“A boost to rebates will benefit all patients, not just those who access bulk billing,” Dr Yim said.
He said the increase from 10 Sunshine Coast bulk billing practices in 2022 to 16 in 2026 was not surprising.
“What we’re seeing is bulk billing incentives benefit patients and practices that already bulk billed before the changes or charged a small gap above the base Medicare rate,” he said.
“Many of those practices are located in rural or remote areas where the incentives are higher than in the southeast corner.”
Dr Yim said mixed and private billing practices face uncertainty when considering whether to switch models.
“For mixed and private billing practices, there is no assurance that the incentives being offered will keep up with inflation or the real costs of running their business,” he said.
“That means they run a high financial risk if they shift their model of operation.
“We need higher rebates to ensure all patients benefit regardless of where they live.”
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He said the closure of any practice placed further pressure on an already strained public hospital system and emergency departments.
“This is not just an issue in general practice, but also for patients who need other specialist services,” Dr Yim said.
“Gap payments for those services are increasing due to the rising cost of running practices, but there is no Medicare rebate increase to help offset these costs.
“This makes healthcare less accessible for many patients.”
Dr Yim said the Sunshine Coast’s ageing population added further pressure.
“The Sunshine Coast has a significant population of retirees and older Australians, who have more complex and therefore costly health needs,” he said.
AMA Queensland said it will continue advocating for an overall increase in Medicare rebates that accurately reflects the cost of delivering healthcare while ensuring accessibility for patients.
Sunshine Coast News reached out to Health Minister Mark Butler for comment but did not receive a response prior to publication.
