Cheaper Medicines from January 1st, 2023
- The Beagle
- Jan 6, 2023
- 1 min read
As of 1 January 2023, millions of Australians are now paying up to 30 per cent less for their Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) prescriptions, with the maximum PBS co-payment dropping from $42.50 to $30.
“For the first time in the 75-year history of the PBS, the co-payment for general scripts has fallen", said Kristy McBain MP, Federal Member for Eden Monaro.
“We heard from pharmacists, stories of their customers coming in with a handful of prescriptions asking for advice about which script they can go without, because they can't afford to fill them all.
“I am pleased that our cheaper medicines policy will make that choice redundant for millions of Australians” stated Ms McBain.
"The community pharmacy in partnership with the Australian Government is committed to improving patient outcomes and especially in times of rising living costs, no patient should ever have to choose between lifesaving medication and food on the table.
“For an Eden-Monaro family relying on two or three medications, this can put as much as $450 back into their household budget” said Kristy McBain MP.
"In addition, from 1 January, Australians with eye disease, a rare blood disorder or asthma will have access to new and expanded medicine listings under the PBS.
"Since July 1 2022, there has been additional funding approved for 61 new and amended listings on the PBS".
Above: Jessica Kirkwood from Blooms Chemist in Queanbeyan with Federal Member for Eden Monaro, Kristy McBain
