Particle.news
Download on the App Store
9 ARTICLES
·
yesterday

PBS Co-Payments Capped at $25 From Thursday as New Year Price Cut Takes Effect

The government says the cut will save households more than $200 million a year.

The maximum cost of PBS medicines is set to drop, bringing cost of living relief to millions. (Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOS)
Australian passports are notably the most expensive in the world. NewsWire / Nicholas Eagar
Image
The maximum cost of meds on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme will be slashed to $25.

Overview

  • From January 1, the maximum general PBS co-payment falls from $31.60 to $25, the lowest level since 2004.
  • Pensioners and concession cardholders continue to pay $7.70 per script, with that price frozen until at least 2030.
  • Parliament approved the reduction in September after an election pledge by Anthony Albanese, with bipartisan support.
  • The change is presented as part of broader cost-of-living relief, alongside measures such as the new 24/7 1800MEDICARE nurse advice line.
  • The PBS has also listed the MS treatment Ocrevus, cutting its cost from more than $16,500 to standard co-payment levels, even as US pharmaceutical lobby groups voice objections.