Stefanie Schurer

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Labor leader Bill Shorten addressed the National Press Club on February 1 and January 31 respectively. AAP Image/Mick Tsikas

FactCheck: are bulk‑billing rates falling, or at record levels?

In twin speeches to the National Press Club, Labor leader Bill Shorten said bulk-billing rates are falling, while Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said bulk-billing is at record levels. Who was right?
The freeze on GP rebates from 2014 to 2020 will mean many GPs will have to make up the cost from patients. from www.shutterstock.com.au

If GPs pass on cost from rebate freeze, poorer, sicker patients will be hardest hit

The Medicare rebate indexation freeze will hit hardest for people with the poorest health, greatest need for primary healthcare and least capacity to afford increases in the cost of visiting a GP.

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