The Latest Breaking News from Medicare

Medicare, Australia’s universal health insurance scheme, provides financial protection against the cost of medical bills, and makes public hospital care available without any charge to the patient. For the large majority of Australians in urban settings, it is a brilliant system – providing subsidised access to care.

“Strengthening Medicare” is one of Labor’s key election platforms. On Saturday, one week from the election, the opposition finally outlined its commitment to prop up the ailing primary care system, with a A$970m funding package.

For South Coast NSW resident Kim Hawkins, keeping up with medical expenses has been a real struggle since moving from Melbourne.

A new level of federal-state collaboration is needed to keep this crucial service.

Scott Morrison reiterates new pitch to voters, promising a ‘gear change’, and Anthony Albanese reveals plan to boost primary healthcare. This blog is now closed

Federal Labor is entering the election campaign home stretch armed with a promise of almost $1 billion in new Medicare and primary-health funding if it wins next weekend's federal poll.

One week out from the election, the coalition has unveiled a program to get more students involved in sport, while Labor has promised to boost Medicare.

‘A silent surge’: While the newest omicron subvariant drives up COVID cases in Florida, effects are mild

We asked ABC readers what they wanted to know about the federal election and received thousands of submissions. Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.