Federal budget 2023: Treasurer reveals $40 fortnightly JobSeeker rise, boost to bulk billing and rental assistance — as it happened
ABCBy the Specialist Reporting Team's Penny Timms By now, you’ve probably heard the government has announced a tripling of the bulk-billing incentive that’s paid to doctors to see certain patients. But the rate has not kept pace with the increasing cost of delivering healthcare, so patients have had to pick up the difference and many doctors have abandoned bulk billing altogether. Last year, the federal government got real and addressed the elephant in the waiting room: Medicare is overstretched, outdated and no longer works for patients or doctors. The government says it’s determined to change that and had already announced $2.2 billion for its “Strengthening Medicare” package, which includes nearly $360 million for after-hours clinics and more funding to help attract and retain more medical staff, like nurses.
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The federal budget promises $14.6 billion in cost-of-living relief. Where is it going, and who will be eligible for support?
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