Medicare Benefits Schedule Review Advisory Committee - Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives Draft Report

Overview

The Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) is a list of health professional services (items) that the Australian Government subsidises. MBS items provide patient benefits for a wide range of health services including consultations, diagnostic tests, therapy, and operations.

Established in 2021, the MBS Continuous Review is a program assurance function that conducts ongoing reviews of the MBS to ensure it is contemporary, aligned with best clinical practice, improves patient outcomes, and supports high quality care for all Australians.  

The objective of the MBS Continuous Review is to ensure the MBS:  

• Continues to support high-quality care, remains flexible, and stays up to date 

• Remains consistent, clear, and evidence based 

• Aligns with the needs of patients and health professionals alike. 

The Continuous Review is supported by the MBS Review Advisory Committee (MRAC), an independent and clinician-led non statutory committee comprised of health practitioners, health economics and research experts, and consumer representatives. Its role is to advise the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing on publicly funded services listed on the MBS.

Background

In June 2024, the then Minister for Health and Aged Care requested the MBS Review Advisory Committee (MRAC) to undertake a review of Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) items for the insertion and removal of long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs). The review supports the Government’s ongoing commitment to improve health outcomes for women and girls in Australia, and was premised on consideration of relating to appropriateness and accessibility of existing support on the MBS for LARC insertion and removal.

The then Department of Health and Aged Care sought MRAC’s advice on:

• the appropriateness and accessibility of existing MBS LARC items and whether MBS item changes were required (including to fees and item structure),
   
• the accessibility of the MBS items, including expanding access for LARC prescribing, insertion and removal to appropriately trained and qualified health practitioners such as Nurse Practitioners,
   
• expanding access to LARC MBS subsidy to appropriately trained health professionals such as Endorsed Midwives, and
   
• expanding access to rebates for LARC prescribing, insertion and removal to other appropriately trained and qualified health practitioners.

A LARC Working Group (LARCWG) was created to inform the MRAC and its recommendations. The LARCWG comprised 6 MRAC members and met 3 times throughout 2024 and 2025. The LARCWG and the MRAC undertook this review in 2 phases.

The LARCWG’s discussions and recommendations were based on the qualitative and quantitative data including MBS utilisation data, an Australian literature review, and targeted stakeholder feedback and engagement.

Phase one recommendations from the MRAC review were provided to Government in late 2024. These informed the Minister’s announcement in February 2025 of a women’s health package, which included increased fees for LARC items and loading items to support GPs, nurse practitioners and specialists to deliver LARC insertion and removal services at no cost or low cost to the patient. These changes will be implemented from 1 November 2025. Phase two recommendations are in development and are included in this draft report for stakeholder consideration.

Why your views matter

The MRAC seeks views from clinicians, peak bodies, consumers and other interested parties in relation to the Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARC) Working Group Draft Final Report.

The diverse perspectives, experience and knowledge of all stakeholders, including members of the community, are valued and will be considered by the MRAC in finalising its recommendations to Government.

 A PDF and word version of the Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARC) Working Group Draft Final Report are available for download below (see documents under the 'Related' heading below). 

You are invited to submit your feedback on this report by 11.59PM on 11 November 2025. 

If you have any questions in relation to this consultation process, please contact LARC.MRAC@health.gov.au.

Your contribution is greatly appreciated.