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 delivered through 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.
Schedule of eligible MBS items
The direction includes a schedule of eligible Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) items that qualify under the incentive. The source does not specify the dollar amounts of the benefits or the specific MBS item numbers listed in the schedule.
Key actions
The following actions are stated in the source:
- View the full direction and Schedule 1 of eligible MBS items at https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2026N00629 to confirm which services qualify for Medicare benefits under this incentive.
- Check with a billing or practice manager that Medicare claims for aged care services are being made against the correct eligible MBS items listed in Schedule 1 of this direction.
- Contact the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing for clarification on how this direction interacts with existing aged care billing arrangements. The source does not provide a contact number or email.
This is a plain-English summary for information only, not legal or compliance advice. Always check the official source or consult a qualified professional.