Industry Update: 2026–27 Medicare & MBS Changes
The 2026–27 Federal Budget includes a number of changes to Medicare and the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS), including an important development for Nurse Practitioners.
From 1 November 2026, amendments to the Health Insurance Regulations 2018 are proposed to allow Nurse Practitioners to request six bone mineral densitometry (BMD) items under Medicare.
This is an important development for NP practice, particularly for NPs working in areas such as women’s health, menopause, ageing and chronic disease management.
However, there is currently an important detail that requires further clarification. The Budget documentation states that NPs will be able to request “6 bone mineral densitometry items”, but it does not specify whether this means six particular MBS items, six requests per patient, or another limitation on requesting frequency or eligibility. The practical application and clinical eligibility requirements will need to be confirmed through the final legislation and updated MBS/Services Australia guidance before the change takes effect.
The Budget also includes broader Medicare changes relevant to health professionals, including:
- Further investment in Medicare Urgent Care Clinics
- Continued development of My Health Record, including the requirement for pathology and diagnostic imaging results to be shared by default from 1 July 2026
- New and amended MBS services across a range of specialties
- Additional Medicare claiming controls and fraud-prevention measures for selected high-cost items
- Changes to a number of telehealth, pathology, diagnostic and specialist services
For Nurse Practitioners working in private practice, these changes highlight the importance of keeping up to date with MBS item requirements, claiming rules and legislative changes.
At NP Practice Fundamentals, we’ll continue to monitor these developments and provide updates as further information is released.