The average out-of-pocket cost has increased over time since the start of Medicare in 1984 (Figure 6).
In 2023, Australians paid an average out-of-pocket cost of $43 for a non-bulk billed GP attendance. After adjusting for inflation, the highest average out-of-pocket cost was $46 for a non-bulk billed GP attendance and occurred between 2018 and 2022.
Variations in out-of-pocket costs have occurred at various points due to the impact of government policies:
- The average out-of-pocket cost for a GP attendance dropped from $24 in 2004 to $22 in 2005.
- From 2006, a seasonal saw tooth pattern emerged in the monthly average out-of-pocket costs. The start of each year recorded the highest out-of-pocket costs and the lowest out-of-pocket costs occurred towards the end of each year. This is due to the Extended Medicare Safety Net contributing extra Medicare benefits to patients who have reached a threshold level of out-of-pocket costs for non-hospital services throughout the calendar year.
Patterns in out-of-pocket costs by age group
The monthly and annual average out-of-pocket costs for a non-bulk billed GP attendance (using inflation adjusted prices) in the 3 age groups of 0–15, 16–64 and 65+ years followed the general national trend (Figure 6).
- Average out-of-pocket costs for a non-bulk billed GP attendance for the 16–64 age group have consistently been the highest and the 65+ age group has had the lowest out-of-pocket costs over time (Figure 6).
- The highest average out-of-pocket costs per GP attendance occurred in February 2022 for all 3 age groups; $48 for patients aged 0–15, $49 for patients aged 16–64, and $46 for patients aged 65+ years.
