The Hon Mark Butler MP
Minister for Health and Ageing
Minister for Disability and the National Disability Insurance Scheme

A new Medicare health check for 3-year-olds is now available, as part of the Australian Government’s rollout of Thriving Kids.
 
The 3-year-old Medicare Healthy Kids check was recommended by the Thriving Kids Advisory Group to support interventions prior to children starting primary school and help them to achieve their potential when they do start school.
 
Doctors will assess a child’s physical, social and emotional development and wellbeing, to assist in identifying any health and developmental concerns and/or neurodevelopmental differences.
 
The health check, available as of 1 November, complements existing services including those provided by state and territory governments and if needed, could include referral to Thriving Kids or other supports, or further monitoring and assessment.
 
One check per lifetime will be available to all 3-year-olds who are eligible for Medicare via an appointment with a doctor.
 
Any aged child who requires assessment, or 3-year-olds who need more than one assessment, can continue to have assessments through existing Medicare items.
 
As at 2 November 2026.