The Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) is a cornerstone of Australia’s public healthcare system, outlining the medical services subsidised by the Australian Government. It plays a vital role in ensuring Australians have affordable access to essential healthcare. This blog post provides an overview of the MBS, recent updates, and what it means for both patients and healthcare providers in 2025.
What Is the Medicare Benefits Schedule?
The MBS is a comprehensive list of medical services that qualify for government rebates under Medicare. It covers a wide range of healthcare services, including consultations with general practitioners (GPs), specialists, diagnostic tests, and some therapeutic procedures. Each service is assigned an item number and a scheduled fee, which determines the amount Medicare will rebate to patients or providers.
The MBS is accessible online through the official website mbsonline.gov.au, where patients and practitioners can find detailed information about covered services.
Key Components of Medicare Supported by the MBS
- Hospital Benefits: Covers treatment as a public patient in government hospitals.
- Medical Services: Includes visits to GPs and specialists, diagnostic imaging, pathology, and other outpatient services.
- Pharmaceutical Benefits: Subsidises many prescription medications under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
Recent Changes and Updates in 2025
The Australian Government has introduced several important updates to the MBS starting in 2025 to improve access and reduce costs:
- Increased Bulk Billing Incentives: The government allocated $8.5 billion to encourage more doctors to bulk bill, aiming for 90% of GP visits to be free by 2030. Bulk billing means the doctor bills Medicare directly, so patients pay no out-of-pocket fees.
- Medicare Safety Nets: There are two safety nets-the Original Medicare Safety Net (OMSN) and the Extended Medicare Safety Net (EMSN)-which provide additional rebates once patients reach certain annual out-of-pocket thresholds. For example, from January 2025, the OMSN threshold is $576 for all eligible individuals, increasing rebates to 100% of the scheduled fee for out-of-hospital services after this point.
- Changes to Telehealth: Telehealth consultations now primarily use video attendance instead of phone, reflecting advancements in technology and patient care.
- New Chronic Condition Management Items: From July 2025, a new item for chronic condition management will replace existing chronic disease management items, potentially broadening eligibility and simplifying paperwork for GPs.
- Removal of 85% Out-of-Hospital Rebates: Over 800 MBS items will no longer receive the 85% rebate for out-of-hospital services, streamlining the schedule.
How Does the MBS Impact Patients and Providers?
For patients, the MBS ensures that many essential medical services are subsidised, making healthcare more affordable. The safety nets help families and individuals manage high healthcare costs by increasing rebates after certain thresholds.
For healthcare providers, understanding the MBS is crucial for billing correctly and maximising rebates for patients. Changes to the schedule, such as new item numbers and rebate adjustments, require practices to stay informed to maintain compliance and financial viability.
Where to Find More Information
- MBS Online: The official portal provides full details of the Medicare Benefits Schedule, including item descriptions, fees, and explanatory notes (mbsonline.gov.au).
- Services Australia: Information on Medicare Safety Nets and registration (servicesaustralia.gov.au).
- Health Department Updates: Ongoing reviews and consultations on MBS changes (health.gov.au).
The Medicare Benefits Schedule is a fundamental part of Australia’s healthcare system, ensuring access to affordable medical services. With significant updates in 2025 aimed at expanding bulk billing, enhancing chronic condition management, and refining telehealth services, both patients and providers must stay informed. Understanding the MBS helps Australians navigate their healthcare options and supports providers in delivering quality care efficiently.