Managing healthcare costs can often seem like a high-wire act, especially when it comes to juggling regular prescriptions and trips to the GP and pharmacy. But thanks to important updates to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), more Australians might find this balancing act a little easier and more affordable.
Here’s a breakdown of how a freeze on PBS patient co-payments, combined with 60-day prescriptions can help you save you time and money.
So what’s new?
From January 1 this year the patient co-payment for all PBS medicines, which normally increases each year due to indexation, was frozen. This means the maximum patient cost for PBS medicines is the same as it was in 2024 and will not increase in 2025. If you have a Commonwealth concession card, the maximum patient cost will stay the same for the next five years. This change aims to ease cost-of-living pressures, so patients don’t need to delay renewing their prescriptions due to cost.
In addition, nearly 300 medicines for a range of health conditions are available for 60-day prescriptions as part of a PBS initiative that began in 2023. This means many people can now get a 60-day supply of certain medicines with one prescription – potentially reducing the number of health practitioner appointments and visits to the pharmacy each year to renew prescriptions, leaving more money in our pockets.
Real savings: Carolyn’s story
Carolyn, a 54-year-old from Shailer Park, juggles a full-time job with frequent doctor and pharmacy visits. She used to visit the pharmacy every 30-days to fill prescriptions for her medications, which include rosuvastatin. This medicine is available on a 60-day prescription, allowing her to manage her health more efficiently and make savings.
“Through no fault of my own, I have to go to the pharmacy every month,” she said. “It’s time away from work. If it doesn’t fit into my half-hour lunchtime, I have to make up the hours.”
She’s happy with the recent PBS changes and potential savings and hopes for more updates to expand the benefits to others. “It means extra money in my pocket that I can put elsewhere. It could be a ticket to the movies with my grandchild or lunch with friends.”
Is your medicine on the list?
The Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee, which advises the Australian Government on the listing of medicines on the PBS, recommended almost 300 medicines as suitable for 60-day prescriptions including medicines for a range of chronic conditions, such as:
- Asthma
- Anxiety disorders and depression
- Cardiovascular disease and heart failure
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Crohn’s disease
- Diabetes
- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma and dry eyes
- High cholesterol and hypertension
- Hormonal replacement and modulation therapy
- Kidney disease
- Osteoporosis
- Parkinson’s disease
- Ulcerative colitis
You can easily check if your medication is available by checking this handy table on the Department of Health and Aged Care website. If you find your medicine listed, ask your doctor if a 60-day prescription is right for you.
Why are some medicines not approved for 60-day prescriptions?
Not every medication is suitable for a 60-day supply due to various safety and health monitoring concerns. Larger quantities of certain medicines can pose safety risks, and some medicines require frequent adjustments or health checks like blood tests. Health conditions with unpredictable symptoms need closer medical oversight. Medicines used for short-term treatment must be managed carefully and aren’t suitable for a 60-day prescription. Ultimately, your health practitioner must decide the appropriate prescription length – 30 or 60 days – based your specific health needs.
Protect your health and your hip pocket
These changes aren’t just about convenience; it’s about making sure your healthcare fits your life. By understanding these changes, you can better manage your healthcare expenses and ensure that you’re making the most of the benefits available to you.
To learn more, visit the Department of Health and Aged Care website.
This article was produced in partnership with the Australian Government, Department of Health and Aged Care
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