Countdown to November: Your Questions Answered
Watch recording
View further details from the Department of Health and Aged Care about next steps and clarification on how the incentive is calculated, paid and split.
With the new bulk billing incentive changes just around the corner, many practices are finalising their preparations. Join us for a live Q&A session where we’ll recap the essentials, address common questions and ensure your practice is ready. In this session, Chris Smeed, Riwka Hagen and representatives from the Department of Health and Aged Care will share practical tips, answer last-minute questions and provide clarity on grey areas so your team can approach 1 November with confidence.
In this session, you’ll learn how to:
- Confirm their practice is well prepared for 1 November
- Clarify outstanding questions and uncertainties about the new bulk billing incentives through discussion and Q&A
- Apply practical advice from peers and presenters to finalise workflows and support a smooth transition on 1 November
Resources
Cubiko’s Bulk Billing Incentive Resource Hub and Webinar Recordings
The Services Australia Health Professional Education website
Information on Incentive Payments and Next Steps
The Department of Health and Aged Care has shared details on the next steps, along with further clarification on how the incentive will be calculated, paid and split.
What are the next steps for practices who have decided to participate in the BBPIP?
Practices can register in BBPIP through the MyMedicare system from 1 November.
Practices will need to:
- Register to participate in MyMedicare (or already be registered in MyMedicare). Accredited practices can prepare in advance by registering for MyMedicare now if not already registered.
- Register to participate in BBPIP via the MyMedicare system from 1 November 2025.
Instructions on how to register in BBPIP from 1 November are available on the Services Australia Health Professional Education Resources website, under the MyMedicare tab Health Professional Education Resources.
Further details on BBPIP including the calculator, FAQs and other resources are available now on the Department’s website Upcoming changes to bulk billing incentives in general practice | Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.
From 1 November this information will be updated to include a link to registering in BBPIP.
How often will BBPIP incentive payments be made?
BBPIP payments will be made quarterly in arrears. The quarterly BBPIP assessment periods are as follows:
- 1 July to 30 September
- 1 October to 31 December
- 1 January to 31 March
- 1 April to 30 June.
BBPIP incentive payments are made within the month following the end of the assessment period. The inaugural assessment period will only consider MBS benefits earned for the period 1 November 2025 – 31 December 2025, with payments in January 2026.
How will the BBPIP payment be calculated?
The BBPIP payment will be calculated based on the MBS benefits earned from eligible services. Specifically:
- Payment: The payment is calculated at 12.5% of the MBS benefits earned for eligible services bulk billed, during the assessment period. This incentive payment will be paid on top of MBS benefits and the MBS BBIs.
- Eligibility: A practice must bulk bill all eligible services for all Medicare-eligible patients to be eligible for the BBPIP incentive payment.
- Distribution: The BBPIP payment will be split evenly (50/50) between the GP and the practice.
How will the BBPIP be paid?
Payments under BBPIP will be made through the Organisation Register and MyMedicare capability. Practices and providers will need to add their banking details to their BBPIP registration through HPOS in the MyMedicare system. Instructions on how to do this are available on the Services Australia Health Professional Education website Health Professional Education Resources.
How will the BBPIP payment be split between practices and GPs?
The BBPIP payment will be split evenly (50/50) between practices and GPs. MBS bulk billing incentive benefits will continue to be paid directly to the GP.
Are there any Department of Health resources available to help practices prepare for the upcoming changes?
Further details on BBPIP including the calculator, FAQs and other resources are available now on the Department’s website Upcoming changes to bulk billing incentives in general practice | Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
From 1 November this information will be updated to include a link to registering in BBPIP.
Meet the speakers
Chris Smeed
CEO and Founder of Cubiko
Riwka Hagen
Founder & Principal Consultant at Medical Business Services
Louise Riley
Assistant Secretary of the MBS Policy and Reviews Branch, Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
Bianca McCulloch
Director, Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program Design and Implementation, MyMedicare and Bulk Billing Clinics Branch
Jacob Grooby
Director of MBS Affordability, Medicare Benefits and Digital Health Division
Alexis Mohay
Director of the Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program governance and stakeholder management section