About the review
The MRAC is conducting a review of long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC).
In June 2024, the Minister for Health and Aged Care, requested the MRAC undertake a phased review of MBS items for the insertion and removal of long-acting reversible contraceptives as part of the Government’s commitment to improving women’s health outcomes.
A working group was established to lead this review and report back to the full committee on its findings.
Who we work with
The Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARC) working group members lead this review and report back to the full committee on its findings.
| Member | Area of specialty or expertise |
|---|---|
| Professor Sally Green (Chair) | Health systems |
| Ms Jan Donovan | Consumer Representative |
| Conjoint Professor Anne Duggan (MRAC Chair) | Gastroenterologist |
| Adjunct Associate Professor Chris Helms | Nurse Practitioner |
| Associate Professor Elizabeth Marles | General Practice / Indigenous Health and Health Policy |
| Dr Sue Masel | Rural General Practice |
| Professor Rosalie Viney | Health Economist |
| Departmental Medical Adviser | |
| Associate Professor Andrew Singer | Principal Medical Adviser, Department of Health |
Why the review is important
A review of LARC MBS items will support the Government’s ongoing commitment to improve health outcomes for women and girls in Australia, including providing an opportunity for the Department of Health and Aged Care to consider how to more broadly support awareness and high-quality provision of these important services.
Status
Following a targeted consultation in July 2024, the LARC Working Group presented draft recommendations for phase one of the review to MRAC at their August 2024 meeting. The recommendations were provided to government for consideration.
On the 9 February 2025, the government announced a $573.3. million package to deliver more choice, lower costs and better health care for women. The funding supports an increase in Medicare rebates and more bulk billing for MBS items relating to the administration of LARC, and the introduction of a new MBS loading item which will directly support LARC services to be provided to patients at low or no cost. You can find more information on the announcement.
The changes are based on recommendations from the MBS Review Advisory Committee (MRAC) are scheduled to commence from 1 November 2025.
Phase two of the review is currently underway, and an update was provided to MRAC at their March 2025 meeting.
Activities to date
| Date | Activity |
|---|---|
| 9 February 2025 | Government announces funding package which supports LARC services to be provided to patients at low or no cost |
| September 2024 | MRAC recommendations provided to government |
| 20 August 2024 | The MRAC endorsed the recommendations |
| 23 July 2024 | First meeting of LARC working group held |
| 16 July 2024 | Targeted stakeholder consultation workshop held |
Contact
