PBS payments locked
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The Albanese Government has frozen the indexation of Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) copayments.
Freezing the copayments for the first time in over 25 years, the government says the measure will save Australians $1.1 billion on medicine costs.
Additionally, new and expanded cancer treatments will now be subsidised under the PBS, making life-saving drugs accessible to more patients.
From 1 January, PBS copayments will remain at $31.60 for general patients until the end of 2025 and at $7.70 for concession cardholders until the end of 2029.
This pause in annual price increases, typically linked to the Consumer Price Index, follows reductions in medication costs introduced in 2023, where the general patient copayment was cut from $42.50 to $30.
“Freezing the maximum PBS copayment for every Australian will ensure our cheaper medicines stay cheaper, delivering an estimated half a billion dollars in additional patient savings,” Health Minister Mark Butler said.
Since July 2022, reforms to the Safety Net threshold have provided 66 million free prescriptions to eligible Australians, making more pensioners and concession cardholders eligible for no-cost medicines. These measures contribute to the government’s broader commitment to improving healthcare affordability.
In a parallel initiative, new treatments for breast and prostate cancers have been added to the PBS. The inclusion of Olaparib (Lynparza) for metastatic breast cancer patients and Talazoparib (Talzenna) for certain prostate cancer cases will drastically reduce treatment costs, from tens of thousands of dollars to the maximum of $31.60 per prescription or $7.70 for concession holders.
Approximately 300 patients annually will benefit from Olaparib, which is targeted at HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations.
Talazoparib, to be used in combination with enzalutamide, will assist around 180 patients diagnosed with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.
“By listing life-changing medicines on the PBS, the Albanese Government is fulfilling its promise to deliver cheaper and faster access to the latest treatment for Australians,” Minister Butler said.
