Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (AOS_2)

Question 1

PBS definition

Answer 1

a federal government initiative that aims to make essential medicines available through subsidising (they are not free!) a range of prescription medications at affordable prices for all Australian citizens and those under the reciprocal agreement

Question 2

PBS funding

Answer 2

• General Tax Revenue: Aussie’s are taxed a small proportion of their taxable income

Question 3

PBS advantages

Answer 3

• available to all Australians
• covers most of the common/essential medications
• PBS Safety Net provides further financial support for medications once the individual or family’s co-payments reach a certain threshold in one calendar year

Question 4

PBS disadvantages

Answer 4

• places as significant burden on the government
• does not cover all medications
• does not cover the entire cost of medications; the patient will need to make a co-payment

Question 5

PBS sustainability

Answer 5

• does not cover all medications, thereby allowing this services to be in place for future generations
• the Prescription Shopping Program (PSP) ensures that people are not using more medical than they need through providing health professionals with information on peoples purchasing rates

Question 6

PBS access

Answer 6

• medications are provided at local pharmacies (physically accessible)
• medications are heavily subsidised (financially accessible)
• PBS Safety Net gives people extra financial assistance (financially accessible)

Question 7

PBS equity

Answer 7

• available to all Australians
• PBS Safety Net gives people extra financial support if they require medication more often, focusing on disadvantaged population groups
• closing the Gap PBS Co-Payment for Indigenous Australians provides a concession rate for Indigenous Australians, rather them having them pay the full PBS co-payment price