I hear you — access to bulk‑billed telehealth has become much harder for many people in Australia. Here’s a short explanation of what’s happened and practical options.

What’s changed (summary)

• From 1 March 2025 some MBS telehealth and item rules were updated (including renaming/replacing some telehealth items). That has changed how practices claim and sometimes how they choose to bill. (servicesaustralia.gov.au)
• Bulk‑billing rates have fallen in many areas and surveys of GPs during 2024–25 showed most doctors were unlikely to move to exclusive bulk‑billing even where incentives were announced. That has meant fewer telehealth consultations being bulk‑billed in practice. (abc.net.au)
• The federal government announced a Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program (extra 12.5% payment) that starts 1 November 2025 to try to encourage practices to bulk‑bill more patients — but uptake and impact vary by practice. (servicesaustralia.gov.au)

Why you might be seeing “no bulk‑billing telehealth”

• Practices set their own billing policies. Even if telehealth items exist on the MBS, clinics may choose to charge a gap or not offer bulk‑billed telehealth because of costs, staffing, or concerns about consultation length/quality. (abc.net.au)

Practical options right now

• Check Services Australia / MyMedicare listing for bulk‑billing clinics in your area (some clinics advertise if they bulk‑bill). The Services Australia site also lists MBS telehealth changes. (servicesaustralia.gov.au)
• Look for community health centres, Aboriginal Medical Services, student clinics or local council/CHS clinics — many offer free or low‑cost telehealth or face‑to‑face care. (theguardian.com)
• If you have a concession or health care card, ask explicitly — many practices still bulk‑bill concession cardholders or children. (abc.net.au)
• Consider phone triage / nurse lines run by your state health service or after‑hours GP helplines (some are free or lower cost).
• If cost prevents you getting care, explain this when booking — some practices can offer a short (bulk‑billed) phone consult or refer you to a free clinic.

If you’d like, tell me:

• your suburb or postcode and whether you have a concession/pension card (I can search for local bulk‑billing options and free telehealth services). I can also check whether particular telehealth MBS items apply to your situation.