As Australians face some of the greatest health challenges in a generation, the Morrison Government has announced it is investing record funding in Medicare, proving its commitment to Medicare is “rock solid”.
It has been announced that the Morrison Government is investing $125.7 billion in Medicare over the forward estimates, an increase of more than $6 billion since last year’s Budget – reportedly up from 58% when Labor was last in government.
The extra funding is said to include $204.6 million to extend the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) telehealth arrangements until 31 December 2021.
This will reportedly bring the total investment in telehealth to $3.6 billion, which will mean that all Australians have access to health services regardless of where they live or regardless of Covid-19 restrictions and lockdown measures.
Reportedly, through the 2021-22 Budget, the Government has invested a further $711.7 million to add new services and strengthen existing services on the MBS.
For example, $40.5 million has been committed for ambulatory blood pressure monitoring – a new service for diagnosing high blood pressure (hypertension) that provides greater accuracy for diagnosis through continuous monitoring over 24 hours.
Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring is superior to the currently MBS-funded service of discrete blood pressure measurements in a clinic or using home blood pressure monitors in conjunction with GP consultations.
Additionally, from today, 1 July 2021, changes to the MBS items for orthopaedic, cardiac, and general surgery services will be implemented following recommendations of the independent, clinician-led MBS Taskforce Review.
The changes are part of the most comprehensive review of Medicare since it began, with the aim of modernising the system to ensure it supports high-quality health and medical practice.
The Government has said it will closely monitor the impact of the 1 July 2021 changes to ensure there are no unintended consequences to patients.
Further information about the 1 July 2021 changes to the MBS, visit: health.gov.au/mbsonline
