Health Insurance Amendment (Incentive Payments and Other Measures) Bill 2026

Stage by Stage

Summaries in reported speech - not a transcript. In date order, both chambers.

1. Wednesday 27 May 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate concerned the legislative framework for Medicare primary healthcare incentive programs. The government argued the bill establishes a consistent statutory basis for these programs, enhancing transparency and integrity without altering existing policy settings or payment amounts. It aims to modernise administration through automated processes with safeguards and renames the Health Insurance Act 1973 to the Medicare Act. The bill was commended to the House, and the debate was adjourned.

   Outcome: The debate was adjourned.

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2. Monday 29 June 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate concerned legislation to create a legal structure for Commonwealth health incentive payment programs, including bulk-billing incentives. The government argued the bill strengthens Medicare administration and supports access to care, citing rising bulk-billing rates and investments in primary health. Opposition members supported the administrative reforms but criticised the government's broader health record, highlighting rising out-of-pocket costs and workforce shortages. They moved an amendment noting these concerns, which was not carried. The bill passed the House.

   Outcome: The second reading amendment moved by Melissa McIntosh was not carried, and the bill was passed on second reading.

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3. Wednesday 1 July 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate centred on the legislative framework for Commonwealth health incentive payments and the state of Medicare under the current government. Coalition members supported the bill's intent to provide statutory footing for incentive programs but opposed the government's record on bulk-billing, citing rising out-of-pocket costs and regional access issues. Labor members defended the bill as essential for strengthening Medicare, highlighting increased bulk-billing rates and investments in primary care. The coalition moved a second reading amendment to refer the bill to the Senate Community Affairs Legislation Committee for scrutiny.

   Outcome: The coalition moved a second reading amendment to refer the bill to the Senate Community Affairs Legislation Committee.

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4. Thursday 2 July 2026 · House of Representatives

   Third Reading
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5. Thursday 2 July 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate centred on creating rules for Commonwealth primary care incentive schemes, such as the Medicare Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program. Speakers claimed the bill improves Medicare through better oversight, compliance and openness, while keeping current eligibility and payment levels unchanged. Members pointed to the success of recent bulk-billing efforts, citing higher rates and more urgent care clinics. The legislation also changes the name of the Health Insurance Act 1973 to the Medicare Act 1973. The bill was defeated on the division.

   Outcome: The bill was not passed following a division of 39 to 92.

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6. Thursday 2 July 2026 · Senate

   First Reading
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7. Thursday 2 July 2026 · Senate

   Second Reading

   The Minister for Industry and Innovation moved the second reading of two bills in the Senate. The first bill implements recommendations from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, focusing on information sharing, health governance, and family support. The second bill establishes a legislative framework for Medicare incentive payments and renames the Health Insurance Act 1973 to the Medicare Act. The Minister argued these measures strengthen system integrity, improve wellbeing outcomes, and protect public funds. No other members spoke during this segment of the debate.

   Outcome: The bills were listed as separate orders for debate.

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8. Wednesday 16 September 2026 · Senate

   Second Reading

   The debate concerned the legislative framework for Medicare incentive programs, including bulk-billing and workforce incentives. Senator Whiteaker supported the bill, citing improved transparency and significant increases in bulk-billing rates. Senator Ruston stated the Coalition would not oppose the bill but criticised the government's record on out-of-pocket costs and rural health access. Ruston moved an amendment noting these issues and condemning the government, which was not passed before the debate was interrupted.

   Outcome: The debate was interrupted before the amendment was put to the vote.

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