Big Changes to Medicare As of November, and What They Could Mean for Your Mental Health Care

From 1 November 2025, significant updates to the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) came into effect across Australia. These changes introduced new rules for bulk billing, adjustments to mental health planning, updates to telehealth, and a wide range of amendments across general medical, imaging and pathology services. 

While the full list is extensive, several reforms directly affect how young people and families access mental health support. This article explains what has changed and how these new measures may shape access to care from now on.

One of the biggest changes is the expansion of bulk billing eligibility. Previously, bulk billing incentives mainly applied to children under 16 and concession card holders. As of November, any Medicare eligible patient can be bulk billed if the practice chooses to do so.

The Government has committed $7.9 billion to support this shift, including:

• Expanded Medicare bulk billing incentives for all patients
• The new Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program, which provides quarterly incentive payments to practices that bulk bill all eligible services

For mental health care, this may reduce the cost of GP appointments used to discuss concerns, update treatment plans or obtain referrals.

The Better Access redesign introduced major adjustments to how Mental Health Treatment Plans (MHTPs) are created and reviewed.

From November:

• MHTPs, referrals and reviews must now be done by a patient’s usual GP or Prescribed Medical Practitioner at their MyMedicare practice
• Specific MHTP review items and mental health consultation items have been removed from the MBS
• GPs and PMPs now use general attendance items when reviewing mental health progress or providing ongoing mental health consultations
  

These changes aim to create clearer continuity of care within a patient’s regular clinic. For young people, consistent contact with a trusted GP can help ensure earlier intervention and better follow up. However, this also means communities need GPs who are confident and well supported in their mental health role.

Telehealth continues to play an important role in mental health support, particularly for young people in regional areas or those who prefer a private setting.

New changes include:

• Expanded eligibility for GP telehealth consultations through MyMedicare
• Additional phone consultation items for specialists and consultant physicians
• Updated claiming rules for nurse practitioner telehealth services

More flexible telehealth pathways can help remove distance, cost and comfort barriers.

The legislation now uses the correct titles for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Practitioners. This strengthens recognition of their important role within primary care.

For mental health, culturally grounded support is essential. This update supports better visibility and respect for the professionals who provide vital care to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people.

The reforms introduced in November are designed to improve access and continuity of care. For mental health, the impacts are significant.

Lower costs for GP appointments

Since bulk billing incentives now apply to all Medicare eligible patients, many practices may choose to bulk bill mental health related visits. Cost has been a major barrier for young people seeking help, so this shift is an important step forward.

Stronger ongoing support

Requiring MHTPs and reviews to occur at a patient’s usual clinic encourages ongoing engagement. This can make it easier to identify early signs of distress and provide timely referrals to specialist services when needed.

Better access through telehealth

Expanded telehealth options improve access for people who cannot easily attend face to face appointments, including young people with anxiety, transport limits or safety concerns.

Continued need for specialised youth programs

While primary care access may improve, specialist services remain critical for young people facing complex issues such as substance dependence, trauma or co-existing mental health challenges.

With support from Sir David Martin Foundation, Triple Care Farm provides a recovery environment where connection and compassion guide every stage of a young person’s journey. The Medicare reforms strengthen entry points to care, but intensive residential and aftercare programs continue to play a vital role for young people who need deeper support.

Need support or want to help young people access recovery

If you would like to learn more about how Sir David Martin Foundation helps young Australians rebuild their lives through safe detox, rehabilitation and aftercare, we welcome you to get in touch and explore how you can be part of this important work.