Australian Government Announces $573 Million Women's Health Package

The initiative aims to reduce healthcare costs for women by subsidizing contraceptives, menopause treatments, and expanding access to specialized care.

• New oral contraceptives, Yaz and Yasmin, will be listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for the first time in over 30 years, reducing annual costs for 50,000 women from $380 to as low as $31 with a concession card.
• Three menopause hormone therapies—Estrogel, Estrogel Pro, and Prometrium—will also be added to the PBS, saving over 100,000 women up to $577 annually, effective March 1.
• Medicare rebates for the insertion and removal of long-term contraceptives like IUDs and implants will increase by up to 150%, potentially saving 300,000 women up to $400 in out-of-pocket costs each year.
• The package includes funding for 11 new endometriosis and pelvic pain clinics, bringing the total to 33, with expanded services to address menopause and perimenopause care.
• Additional measures include new Medicare rebates for menopause health assessments, training for healthcare professionals, and the development of Australia's first national menopause care guidelines.

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