Media Release
20 March 2025
Patients Australia Welcomes PBS Co-Payment Reduction: A Win for Affordability and Access
Patients Australia welcomes the Albanese Government’s decision to lower the co-payment for prescription medicines. More than 400,000 Australians each week will now pay no more than $25 per prescription, benefiting over 20 million people who do not hold a health or concession card. With savings of up to $6.60 per script, this initiative marks a significant step towards ensuring essential medicines remain affordable and accessible for all Australians.
Over the next four years, this initiative will put $689 million back into the pockets of patients, easing cost-of-living pressures and improving healthcare access.
The announcement was made today at the Australian Pharmacy Professional Conference and Trade Exhibition on the Gold Coast, attended by over 8,000 pharmacists and industry representatives from across the country.
Patients Australia CEO Lisa Robins welcomed the move, stating:
“Patients Australia was proud to join a coalition of more than 20 health and community groups, alongside the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, in calling on the government to make medicines more affordable.
Seeing such swift action from the government reinforces our faith that they recognise the need to take decisive action to preserve access to essential healthcare amidst a severe cost-of-living crisis.
No patient should have to choose between their essential medicines and other basic needs or be forced to ration or skip medications. By reducing the cost of prescriptions, the Government is helping to ensure Australians can continue their treatments without financial strain.”
Patients Australia remains committed to working collaboratively with other organisations to advocate for policies that prioritise patients and ensure equitable access to essential healthcare. A united voice is crucial in driving meaningful change, and today’s announcement is a testament to the power of collective advocacy and our commitment alongside the Pharmacy Guild of Australia to advocate on behalf of patients for reforms that keeps people healthier.
ENDS
For more information, contact:
Lisa Robins
CEO, PA
About Patients Australia
Patients Australia is a leading independent not-for-profit organisation championing the rights of patients across Australia. We’re here to ensure that patients’ voices are amplified and their needs prioritised within the healthcare system. Our organisation drives significant improvements in patient care, advocating for greater transparency, accessibility, and quality within Australia’s healthcare landscape. By actively engaging with health consumers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders, we empower patients to create a more responsive and equitable healthcare system for all Australians.