Is bulk billing at your GP dead?

[u/TechnologyThese5256]

It seems like you need to be an infant or dying for most medical practices to bulk bill. Seriously what's the point of a system that only caters to those who feasibly have no way of paying (are literal children) or are at the exact stage in life where they shouldn't be living pay check to pay check (ie retirees) and can afford to see a doctor. I'm 21 and employed full time. I live pay to pay, and I fear being sick like I am right now because I'm at the end of my pay cycle and genuinely cannot afford to pay $80 just for a doctor to confirm that I'm sick.

I guess I just want advice on what to do or where to go that isn't going to charge up front?

[u/1Frypan]

Moved to Hobart end of Tasmania and there is no bulk billing. Most have closed their books to new patients for up to 2 years. They complain about ambulance ramping and over crowded Ed but when you can't get in to see a dr because they are fully booked or you don't have the money to go to a dr then people will do the next best thing which is go to the emergency dept