Medical and pensioner groups yesterday restated their opposition to the measure as media reports emerged the government was set to dump it.

Parkes MP Mark Coulton, a supporter of the co-payment, said he was not aware of any changes and called on senators to judge any bill on its merits rather than offer "blanket opposition".

Senior ministers spent Thursday trying to hose down the media reports but instead fanned speculation it could be introduced without parliamentary approval.

Health minister Peter Dutton said the government was now "exploring all options" to make Medicare sustainable, including through regulation.

The government has been unable to convince the opposition or Senate crossbenchers to back the budget measure, leaving some pundits to suggest it would look to regulation to achieve the aim, which may not need approval by the Parliament.

However treasurer Joe Hockey said the government would press ahead with legislation in Parliament.

Asked whether the government was still committed to the $7 fee to see the doctor, Mr Abbott said "there's nothing wrong" with having price signals in the Medicare system.

"We want a sustainable Medicare, we want to see price signals in the system, we want to see the Medical Research Future Fund take shape," he said during question time.

"And we are talking to the crossbench in the Senate to bring about all these good ends."

Mr Coulton yesterday said he would be disappointed if the co-payment policy was changed.

"I've always been quite prepared to defend it," he said.

"As of a couple of hours ago, on my inquiries it's still going ahead as far as I know."

The MP noted there were differing opinions about a co-payment, but said there were a couple reasons why he supported it.

"A small charge means something is valued more and quite frankly in many of my towns, there is no bulk-billing," Mr Coulton said.

"And the main reason is we have to be financially responsible to get the debt under control."

People who are "critical forget there is a large budget deficit" the government has to address.

Mr Coulton said he would be "surprised" if the measure was enacted through "another way" but criticised some senators.

"The frustration is decisions made about legislation are not made about the legislation's merit, they are made on point scoring," he said.

Combined Pensioners and Superannuants Association research and advocacy manager Amelia Christie did not get carried away with the the reports the co-payment had been dumped.

"If it's definitely off the cards, that's something (the association) would be very pleased about," she said.

"But there is still a question mark if it will be introduced via regulation."

Rural Doctors Association of NSW president David Richmond said the co-payment would not meet rising costs of health needs in coming decades.

Dr Richmond said hopefully it would be dumped and sensible discussion would then take place.

"Perhaps this might act as a trigger for that to take place," he said.