What is changing in Medicare on 1 November 2026, in plain language. Last updated 4 October 2026.
A Medicare health check for 3-year-olds, available once per child, to look at physical, social and emotional development, health and wellbeing and, if needed, connect families with support or further assessment. MBS Online says it starts on 1 November 2026, subject to the passage of legislation.
Participating nurse practitioners will be able to refer patients for bone density (DEXA) scans.
Doctors will be able to prepare or review a chronic condition management plan by phone, as well as in person or by video, subject to conditions.
The Medicare item for 24-hour blood pressure monitoring is expanded to include children and teenagers aged 5 to under 18 when the criteria are met.
Medicare rebate amounts do not change on 1 November 2026. They last changed on 1 July 2026.
Medicare provides a rebate for Medicare-eligible 3-year-olds. Whether there is a gap depends on what the practice charges, so ask when you book.
No. There are no changes to Medicare rebate amounts in the 1 November 2026 update.
From 1 November 2026 participating nurse practitioners will be able to refer patients for bone density scans. Your practice can tell you whether it offers this.
From 1 November 2026 a GP can prepare or review a chronic condition management plan by phone, subject to conditions such as having a chronic condition and being seen at your MyMedicare practice. Ask your practice.
For clinicians · Healthy Kids Check · Medicare FAQ
MBS Online, November 2026 News, Department of Health and Aged Care (page updated 1 October 2026). Summarised in plain language by AskMyGP.
General information, not medical advice. We will update this page on 1 November 2026.