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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.

Full bill PDF →APH page →

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.

Constituent votes

Voting is closed — this bill has been decided by parliament.

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🔒 Voting closed — this bill has been decided by parliament