Strengthening health and aged care

The Government is improving the quality and efficiency of health spending and delivering greater choice in home care services for older Australians

Building a healthier Medicare

To improve the sustainability of Medicare into the future, the Government will establish a taskforce to review Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) items over the next two years, to ensure patients receive high quality and cost effective medical services.

A Primary Health Care Advisory Group will investigate new funding models to deliver better care, particularly for chronic conditions.

My Health Record

The Government will invest $485 million to improve the electronic health record system for all Australians.

Access to medicines

The Government is committed to maintaining affordable, sustainable access to medicines through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) and is in the final stages of negotiations with industry on reforms to pricing and remuneration across the supply chain to underpin the future sustainability of the PBS.

The Budget will also provide $1.6 billion for new and amended listings on the PBS, including more effective treatments for cancer.

Medical research

The Government will provide distributions of $10 million in 2015‑16 from the Medical Research Future Fund, with more than $400 million expected to be provided to researchers over the next four years.

Aged care reform

The Government is significantly reforming home care services delivered to older Australians.

From 1 February 2017, funding will be allocated to the consumer based on their care needs. This will allow consumers greater choice in deciding who provides their care and increase competition among providers.