The MedicarePlus policy announced by the Federal Government on 18th November 2003 has two new initiatives for GPs providing services to residents of aged care homes. The initiatives were introduced after intense lobbying by aged care providers and GP organisations. The GP Panel Initiative is to facilitate access to GPs for aged care residents.  The government announced it would introduce a new MBS item number in the form of a Comprehensive Medical Assessment for new and existing residents of aged care homes.

How much money has been allocated to Aged Care in the MedicarePlus Initiatives?

The total funding package allocated to the two aged care measures announced as part of the MedicarePlus Initiatives is $47.9m.

The Comprehensive Medical Assessment funding equates to approximately $14.6m.

The GP Panels Initiative funding has two components:

• GP Payments of approximately $18.2m is available from 2004-05 to 2006-07 for GPs participating in the Panel arrangements.  Approximately $5.9m will be available in the first year. The current indexation would increase this amount to approximately $6.1m in the second year and to $6.2m in the third year.
• Funding for Divisions of General Practice is approximately $15.1m over the three year initial program period.
  

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