12-Month Extension for Verbal Consent Announced
The Australian Government has revised its approach to changes in Medicare bulk billing consent requirements following pressure from general practitioners and medical associations. Announced on 19th June, the changes include a 12-month extension for verbal consent.
Initially set to begin on 1st July 2026, the original regulations required a signed assignment of benefit for every bulk-billed service, eliminating verbal consent across all settings, including telehealth. This reform aimed to mitigate Medicare integrity risks highlighted by the Australian National Audit Office.
Dr Monique Ryan, an Independent Federal Member for Kooyong, welcomed the announcement. She stated, “This outcome is a direct result of GPs and peak bodies making their concerns heard.”
Pressure from organisations like the Australian Medical Association and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners played a crucial role in the government’s decision to implement a 12-month transition period. These groups argued that the original timeline was impractical and posed challenges for both healthcare providers and patients.
Government’s Revised Arrangements
Under the revised arrangements, verbal consent will be allowed for an additional 12 months across all healthcare settings. Patients registered with MyMedicare, residents of aged care facilities, and those attending Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations will be able to make an enduring assignment of benefits from 1st July 2026, earlier than the initially planned date of April 2027.
In addition, the Department of Health and Aged Care announced that compliance action would not take place until regulatory changes are complete, focusing initially on prevention and education rather than enforcement.
Dr Ryan highlighted the impact on vulnerable groups, stating, “The impact of the Government’s proposed changes on aged care residents was particularly concerning.” The enduring assignment mechanism will now allow aged care residents to make a single, durable consent for bulk-billed GP visits.
The government is committed to working through the transition on further regulatory and legislative options to reduce administrative burdens. Dr Ryan emphasised the importance of achieving the goal of 90% bulk-billing by 2030, which requires a supportive administrative structure for general practitioners.
Last updated: 20 June 2026, 2:15 pm
