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❌This bill did not pass parliament27 May 2021
The bill was rejected or lapsed before becoming law.
🏛 House of Representatives3 readingsAmendments circulated
Health Insurance Amendment (Prescribed Fees) 2021
✦ Plain-English Summary
# Health Insurance Amendment (Prescribed Fees) 2021
## What it does
This bill removes some fees that people had to pay when applying for certain health insurance services under the national scheme. Specifically, it eliminates the requirement to pay a "prescribed fee" when submitting applications and simplifies the application process by clarifying that written applications are all that's needed.
## Why it matters
Removing these fees makes it easier and cheaper for Australians to access health insurance services without paying extra charges on top of their regular premiums. It's a practical measure to reduce barriers for people navigating the health insurance system.
## Key details
- **When it started:** 1 July 2021
- **What changed:** The bill removes the requirement to pay fees when making certain applications under the Health Insurance Act, and removes a previous rule that linked payment of these fees to the application process
- **Who it affects:** Anyone applying for health insurance services covered by these provisions, though the full scope depends on which specific services are covered under the regulations
Official Description
Amends the Health Insurance Act 1973 to remove the requirement for new specialists and consultant physicians to pay a $30 prescribed fee when applying for access to higher Medicare rebates.
Audit History
Introduced
17 Feb 2021
Last updated on APH
10 Apr 2026
Outcome date
27 May 2021
Last checked by Crossbench
2 days ago
Full text indexed
2 days ago
🗳️
No formal division recorded
This bill passed by voice vote — parliament agreed without calling a formal count. A division is only recorded when a member explicitly requests one.
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