Stop the Rorts

One Nation is committed to strengthening Medicare by cracking down on fraud and ensuring funds are directed toward improving bulk-billing rates and reducing out-of-pocket costs for Australians. Up to $3 billion is lost annually due to fraudulent claims and misuse of Medicare, money that should be used to improve healthcare affordability. Our plan will ensure every dollar spent on Medicare goes where it’s needed most—supporting patients and GPs, not fraudsters.

Medicare is being exploited at the expense of Australian taxpayers and honest medical professionals. Fraud and rising operational costs for GPs are driving down bulk-billing rates, making healthcare less affordable. Key concerns include:

  • Medicare fraud costing up to $3 billion annually, as identified in the Independent Review of Medicare Integrity and Compliance (April 2023).

  • Misuse of Medicare cards, including unauthorized use and fraudulent claims.

  • Exploitation of the PBS system, with subsidized medicines resold on the black market.

  • False Medicare claims by medical professionals, draining vital resources.

  • Bulk-billing rates declining from 51.7% to 47.7% in the last financial year, increasing out-of-pocket costs to $45 per appointment.

  • A projected GP shortfall of over 10,000 doctors by the next decade, making access to healthcare even harder.

 

One Nation will strengthen Medicare, eliminate fraud, and support GPs through the following measures:

  1. Introduce mandatory photo ID for Medicare cards to prevent misuse and fraudulent claims.

  2. Increase Medicare rebates to ensure GPs are properly remunerated, encouraging more bulk-billing and reducing costs for patients.

  3. Crack down on fraud and rorting by ensuring Medicare is properly resourced to investigate and prevent fraudulent claims.

  4. Support GP clinics by addressing rising operational costs, including rent, insurance, and energy bills.

 

What does this mean for you and your family? 

  • More funding for patient care – Redirecting billions lost to fraud toward lifting bulk-billing rates and reducing out-of-pocket costs.

  • Lower costs for Australians – Ensuring more GPs bulk-bill, making healthcare more accessible and affordable.

  • A stronger, better Medicare – Ensuring resources are used effectively to support genuine patients and medical professionals.

  • Protection for taxpayers – Cracking down on fraud means more money stays in the pockets of hardworking Australian taxpayers.

 

One Nation’s Medicare reform plan is part of our broader commitment to reducing government waste, lowering costs for Australians, and ensuring taxpayer funds are used efficiently. By strengthening Medicare integrity, supporting GPs, and cutting fraud, we will deliver a fairer, more effective healthcare system for all Australians.