Description
The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) helps cover the cost of a wide range of prescription medicines, making them more affordable.
Services provided
- Timely, reliable and affordable access to necessary medicines.
- Subsidised costs of medicine for most medical conditions.
Eligibility
The PBS is available to all holders of a valid Medicare card. The PBS is also offered at a reduced price for these card holders: Pensioner Concession Card; Commonwealth Seniors Health Card; Health Care Card; Department of Veterans' Affairs White, Gold, or Orange Card.
Under the Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA) scheme, the PBS is also available under certain circumstances to people from the United Kingdom, Ireland, New Zealand, Malta, Italy, Sweden, Netherlands, Finland, Norway, Belgium and Slovenia.
Further information on Reciprocal Health Care Agreements, including eligibility requirements, is available at Reciprocal Health Care Agreements - Services Australia.
How to access
To receive the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) rebate you must show your valid Medicare card every time you fill a prescription at the pharmacy.
Information on how to claim a refund under the PBS can found on the Services Australia website: Patient claim for refund Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) form
The National Relay Service (NRS) is available to help callers who are d/Deaf, or find it hard to hear or speak to hearing people on the phone.
The Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) is available (24 hours, 7 days) for callers who speak other languages. Call 131 450.
Costs
The cost of prescription medication covered by the PBS varies for Medicare and concession card holders and is adjusted annually on 1 January.
The Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (RPBS) provides access to PBS and other agreed medications to veterans and eligible dependants at a concessional rate. Contact the Department of Veterans' Affairs to learn more. Call1800 552 580.
Once families or individuals meet a certain cost threshold during a calendar year (the Safety Net Threshold) they can qualify for the PBS Safety Net. If you have a Medicare card and reach the Safety Net threshold, you’ll pay the concessional rate for each PBS medicine for the rest of the calendar year. If you have a pensioner or concession card and reach the Safety Net, you will receive PBS medicines at no charge for the rest of the calendar year. See the current Safety Net Thresholds for families, individuals and concession card holders on the PBS website.
Tip
You can discuss cheaper, generic brands of prescribed medication with your pharmacist. These are still safe and meet quality standards but are more affordable.
Important
- PBS prescription medicines for dental problems can be found on a separate Dental Schedule.
- PBS eye care prescription medicines can be found separately on the Optometrical Schedule.
Complaints
- Health Complaints Commissioner, Complaints and Information, call 1300 582 113
- Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) in your state, call 1300 419 495
Website
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