Legislation which will see millions of Australians pay 29% less for prescriptions, with the maximum general co-payment dropping from $42.50 to $30, has passed into law.
From January 1, for the first time in its 75-year history, the maximum cost of general scripts under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) will fall, the Federal Government announced today.
It means someone taking one medication a month could save as much as $150 every year, or a family taking two or three medications could save as much as $300-$450 a year, said Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mark Butler.
“We’re making medicines cheaper for Australians. The safety net threshold for pensioners and concession card holders was slashed in July by 25%, meaning across the year millions of Australians will now pay no more than $4.70 every week for all of their medicines needs,” said Minister Butler.Â
“And more than 44,000 additional Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holders will get access to concession rate prescriptions with income limits being raised to $90,000 for singles and $144,000 for couples.”
