Government declares end to Medicare Freeze

The unpopular Medicare Freeze will end from July 2018 when the Medicare rebate for a visit to a doctor will rise by around 50 cents per visit.

Medicare rebates for specialists will be indexed to inflation for the first time in five years from 2019.

And doctors who bulk bill will get a pay rise from July this year, with bulk billing incentives paid to them indexed to inflation in a $9.5 million move that will sure up bulk billing.

The price of some medicines could fall when the government saves $1.8 billion by slashing the price it pays for subsidised medicines under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.

Millions of families eligible for the Child Dental Scheme will get an extra $300 to spend on dental care every two years.

Health Minister Greg Hunt has announced that every Australian will automatically be given an online health record and will have to opt out if they want to protect their health privacy under a $374 million plan.

Half a million health professionals will be able to access the records.

After nearly losing the 2016 election over its Medicare cuts the government has moved to show its commitment to the national health insurance scheme by setting up a Medicare Guarantee Fund.

From July this year proceeds from the Medicare Levy and personal tax receipts will be paid into the fund.

Treasury officials said if cost are more than forecast the fund will be automatically topped up from general revenue.