Beginning June 15, 2025, the Australian Government will implement significant changes to the Medicare system, directly impacting Medicare card holders, healthcare providers, and eligibility conditions. These new updates aim to modernise how services are delivered, expand access to bulk-billed treatments, and tighten eligibility criteria to curb misuse. With healthcare costs rising and demand for services surging, these reforms are intended to streamline access while ensuring that the system remains sustainable and equitable.
From new rules on bulk billing, expansion of free Medicare-covered services, to digital-only access policies for some users, the updates will affect millions of Australians. If you rely on Medicare for GP visits, specialist appointments, or diagnostic tests, it’s crucial to understand what changes are coming, how to stay eligible, and how to maximise your benefits under the revised framework.
Key Medicare Card Updates Effective From June 15
The government’s revised Medicare regulations target both card management procedures and access to subsidised health services. The changes include:
Main highlights of the changes:
- Introduction of digital-only Medicare cards for new applicants under 25 (physical card optional upon request)
- Expanded bulk billing benefits for children under 16, pensioners, and low-income adults
- New requirement for photo ID verification when updating Medicare details online
- Stricter review process for inactive cardholders who haven’t used Medicare services in over 24 months
- Automatic Medicare card expiration updates via myGov linked accounts
- Enhanced integration with the My Health Record platform for medical history syncing
Important reminders:
- Existing cardholders will retain physical cards unless they opt into digital-only access
- Medicare services can now be accessed through the updated Medicare Express Plus app using biometric login
Changes to Bulk Billing: Who Will Qualify Now?
One of the most impactful updates is the expansion of bulk billing eligibility, designed to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for vulnerable Australians. This will help increase access to general practitioners and essential services without financial stress.
Expanded bulk billing coverage will apply to:
- Children aged 0–15
- Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holders
- Pensioner Concession Card holders
- Recipients of the Low Income Health Care Card
- Full-time students receiving Youth Allowance
- First Nations Australians (all age groups)
Healthcare services that will now be bulk-billed more widely:
- General practitioner (GP) visits
- Mental health plans and consults
- Vaccinations and flu shots
- Medicare-covered telehealth services
- Chronic condition management plans
Note: Not all clinics are required to bulk bill. Patients should confirm with their GP whether they offer these expanded services.
Free Medicare Services: What’s Covered After the Update?
The list of free Medicare-covered services is also being expanded as part of the June 15 reform. While most of these are already subsidised, several will now be fully covered with zero gap for eligible patients.
List of new fully covered services from June 15, 2025:
| Service Type | Coverage Details | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Telehealth GP consultations | 100% free for eligible cardholders | All concession and low-income users |
| Breast cancer screening (MBS) | Free for women aged 40–74 | Medicare card required |
| Diabetes management sessions | Up to 5 bulk-billed sessions/year | Chronic illness patients |
| Vaccinations (including flu) | No out-of-pocket costs | All age groups |
| Mental health consults (initial) | Free initial consultation | GP referral required |
| Child dental screening (pilot) | No-cost in public clinics | Children aged 2–12 |
| Cardiovascular risk assessment | Fully covered once every 2 years | Patients 45+ or high-risk younger |
Additional changes:
- Digital referrals via My Health Record now accepted nationwide
- Certain imaging and blood tests fully rebated with approved specialist orders
Who Is Still Eligible for Medicare in 2025?
While the system remains inclusive, the government is now tightening Medicare eligibility reviews for new and inactive claimants. This ensures that only residents with a genuine entitlement receive free or subsidised care.
You remain eligible for Medicare if you:
- Are an Australian citizen or permanent resident
- Hold a valid permanent humanitarian visa
- Are a New Zealand citizen living in Australia long-term
- Have applied for permanent residency and meet residency conditions
- Are covered by a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (for certain foreign nationals)
Eligibility changes to note:
- Those who haven’t used their Medicare card in over 24 months may receive a notice requiring revalidation
- Temporary visa holders (excluding approved agreements) are no longer automatically enrolled
- All new enrollees under 25 will be defaulted to digital-only Medicare cards
State-Wise Overview: Where Bulk Billing and Free Services Are Most Accessible
The availability of bulk billing and service coverage varies slightly by region due to provider participation and state healthcare frameworks. Here’s a look at where access is expanding the most:
| State/Territory | Bulk Billing Rate (2024) | Expected Rate Post-June 2025 | Most Accessible Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | 83% | 88% | GP visits, mental health consults |
| Victoria | 80% | 85% | Vaccinations, diabetes care |
| Queensland | 87% | 91% | Telehealth, regional GP access |
| South Australia | 76% | 82% | Mental health, chronic care |
| Western Australia | 78% | 83% | Child dental, vaccinations |
| Tasmania | 85% | 89% | Seniors’ check-ups, chronic care |
| Australian Capital Territory | 75% | 81% | GP and specialist bulk billing |
| Northern Territory | 82% | 87% | Indigenous health services, flu shots |
Note: These percentages reflect the proportion of services bulk-billed, not individuals covered. Rates may vary by suburb.
How to Prepare for the Medicare Card Changes
To ensure continued access to free and subsidised Medicare services, all cardholders are advised to prepare accordingly.
Checklist to stay ready:
- Link your Medicare card to MyGov for auto-updates and digital access
- Download the Medicare Express Plus app for easy bookings and card retrieval
- Verify your identity if contacted for inactivity or verification notices
- Update your contact and bank details to avoid disruption in reimbursements
- Check your eligibility for expanded bulk billing benefits
Tip: Always carry your digital or physical Medicare card and ask providers if they offer direct Medicare billing to avoid upfront payments.
FAQs for Medicare Card Changes
Q1: Will my current Medicare card still be valid after June 15?
A: Yes. If you already have a physical card, it remains valid. New enrollees under 25 will receive digital cards by default.
Q2: Do I need to apply for bulk billing?
A: No formal application is needed. Just present your valid Medicare card and check if the provider offers bulk billing.
Q3: What if I haven’t used Medicare in over 2 years?
A: You may be contacted for a Medicare eligibility review. Follow the instructions to revalidate your status and avoid deactivation.
Q4: Can I use the Medicare card for telehealth and mental health?
A: Yes. Telehealth, mental health plans, and chronic care services are all covered under the revised bulk billing rules.
Q5: How can I check if my local GP offers bulk billing?
A: Use the Healthdirect provider finder or call the clinic directly to confirm their bulk billing policy.
Q6: What happens if I move interstate?
A: Your Medicare benefits remain unchanged. Just update your address and local clinic preferences via MyGov.
Q7: Are private health insurance holders affected?
A: No. Private insurance is separate. However, those with both Medicare and private cover may see fewer out-of-pocket expenses.
The changes to Medicare cards, bulk billing policies, and free healthcare services coming into effect on June 15, 2025, represent one of the most comprehensive upgrades to Australia’s universal healthcare system in recent years. With enhanced digital access, broadened bulk billing, and stricter eligibility reviews, these updates aim to make Medicare more efficient, fair, and accessible. All Australians are encouraged to review their status, ensure their details are up to date, and take advantage of the expanded healthcare support now available.
