Key points
- Since 1 July 2025, one plan has replaced GP Management Plans and Team Care Arrangements.
- Plans suit conditions that have lasted, or are likely to last, six months or more.
- To keep using Medicare rebates for allied health, your plan needs to have been prepared or reviewed in the previous 18 months.
If you live with a long-term health condition, such as diabetes, asthma, COPD, heart disease or arthritis, a GP chronic condition management plan can help organise your care. On 1 July 2025, Medicare changed how these plans work. Here is what that means for you.
What is a GP chronic condition management plan?
It is a written plan that you and your GP put together. It sets out your health goals, the care you need, and who will provide it, such as your GP, allied health professionals or specialists. It replaced GP Management Plans and Team Care Arrangements, which means there is now one plan instead of two.
Who is it for?
A plan suits people with a medical condition that has lasted, or is likely to last, six months or more. Your GP will talk with you about whether a plan suits your care.
Allied health and Medicare rebates
If allied health care is part of your plan, your GP can refer you with a referral letter. You can take it to the provider of your choice. Medicare rebates are available for up to five individual allied health visits each calendar year, or ten for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients. Allied health providers, such as physiotherapists, dietitians, podiatrists and exercise physiologists, set their own fees, so check with them first.
Reviewing your plan
Your GP reviews the plan with you as your needs change. To keep using Medicare rebates for allied health, your plan needs to have been prepared or reviewed in the previous 18 months.
What if I had a plan before July 2025?
Allied health referrals written before 1 July 2025 stay valid until those visits have been used. Older plans can still be used for allied health until 30 June 2027. When your plan is next reviewed, your GP will move you to the new plan.
MyMedicare
If you are registered with MyMedicare, your plan and its reviews need to be done through the practice you are registered with. Aberdeen Surgery has joined MyMedicare, so ask reception if you would like to register here.
Getting ready for your appointment
- Ask for a longer appointment and say it is for a chronic condition plan or review.
- Bring a list of your medicines, recent results and any specialist letters.
- Think about your goals, and the questions you would like to ask.
At Aberdeen Surgery, preparing and reviewing your plan with your GP is bulk billed for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card. Medicare sets the rules for these plans and they can change, so your GP or reception can explain how they apply to you.
