Thanks to the Albanese Labor Government Australians have saved over half a billion dollars ($525 million) on the cost of their medicines.
This includes the largest cut to the maximum patient copayment in the 75-year history of the PBS and our landmark 60-day prescriptions reforms, saving time and money for Australians with an ongoing health condition.
- ACT - More than $11 million saved on over 1.2 million cheaper scripts.
- NSW - More than $140 million saved on over 15 million cheaper scripts.
- NT - More than $2.9 million saved on over 300,000 cheaper scripts.
- QLD - More than $88 million saved on over 9 million cheaper scripts.
- SA - More than $29 million saved on over 3 million cheaper scripts.
- Tas - More than $9 million saved on over 1 million cheaper scripts.
- VIC - More than $118 million saved on over 12 million cheaper scripts.
- WA - More than $51 million saved on over 5 million cheaper scripts.
This is on top of cutting the maximum amount pensioners pay for their medicines across the year by 25 cent and cutting the price on over 2,000 brands of medicine.
From today, the Albanese Government is continuing to make medicines cheaper, with around 300 medicines now available as 60-day prescriptions.
This is the third group of medicines to become available as 60-day prescriptions, helping Australians to save money and reducing the number of times they need to see their doctor.
Sixty-day prescriptions were first introduced in September 2023. By 31 July 2024, more than 10 million prescriptions had been dispensed.
The third group includes medicines that will treat:
- acne
- anxiety disorders
- asthma
- constipation
- depression
- gastro-oesophageal reflux disease
- glaucoma
- dry eyes
- obstructive pulmonary disease, and
- Parkinson's disease
The full list of medicines available for a 60-day prescription can be viewed at: www.health.gov.au/cheapermedicines
The Albanese Government is committed to making medicines cheaper for all Australians, that's why we've frozen the maximum co-payment for a PBS medicine for one year for everyone with a Medicare card and five years for concession cardholders.
The Albanese Government is continuing to reinvest every dollar it saves through 60-day prescriptions into community pharmacies, with new programs and payments to provide more health services to Australians.
Australians should talk to their medical practitioner, nursing practitioner, or optometrist to find out if their medicine is available for 60-day prescriptions.
Quotes attributable to Minister Butler:
"The Albanese Government is continuing to strengthen Medicare, with around 300 medicines now available as 60-day prescriptions.
"Through our Government's cheaper medicine initiatives Australians have already saved over half a billion dollars.
"The Albanese Government is making medicines cheaper because no Australian should ever have to choose between buying medicines or paying bills."
Quotes attributable to Anthony Flynn, Director of Health Knowledge and Translation, Asthma Australia:
"Australia has one of the highest rates of asthma in the developed world.
"Asthma Australia welcomes this initiative by the Australian Government.
"It has the potential to assist people with asthma to save time, money and better manage their condition.
"Of the 2.8 million people with asthma in Australia, regular inhaled preventer therapy is recommended for the majority.
"60-day prescribing has the potential to help millions of Australians with asthma to control their condition."
Quotes attributable to Kerry Goldworth, asthma patient:
"I have asthma and both of my kids have asthma. I have spent an absolute fortune on asthma medicines over the years.
"To buy your asthma medicine for half the price could be a huge savings for Australian families.
"So many people are struggling with the cost of living. If you've got more than one person with asthma in your family, or if even just yourself, this will be a real help."
