What this direction covers
The federal government has issued the Health Insurance (Medicare Benefits Payable in Respect of Professional Services Rendered under the General Practice in Aged Care Incentive) Direction 2026. The direction sets out which Medicare benefits are payable for professional services provided under the General Practice in Aged Care Incentive program.
The direction is made under the Health Insurance Act 1973 and is administered by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.
Commencement
The direction commenced on 21 August 2026.
What the direction includes
The direction includes a schedule of eligible Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) items that qualify under the General Practice in Aged Care Incentive. The specific MBS item numbers, dollar amounts, and exact payment rates are not detailed in the summary of this direction.
Key actions
- GPs and general practices providing services to aged care residents and billing Medicare can check the full text of this direction at https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2026N00629 to confirm which MBS items are listed in Schedule 1 as eligible under the General Practice in Aged Care Incentive.
- Practices that use a bookkeeper or billing service can share this direction with them so Medicare claims for aged care services are coded against the correct eligible MBS items.
- The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing is the point of contact for clarification on eligibility or payment amounts where the direction text does not provide sufficient detail. The source does not include a direct contact number or email address.
This is a plain-English summary for information only, not legal or compliance advice. Always check the official source or consult a qualified professional.