the pharmaceutical benefits scheme (The PBS)

Question 1

what is the pharmaceutical benefits scheme

Answer 1

• Provides essential medicines to all, regardless of payment ability.
• Subsidised medicines, patients must make patient co-payment.
• As of 1 January 2021: $41.30 or $6.60 for concession cardholders.
• Government covers remaining costs.
• Costs adjusted annually on 1 January to align with inflation.

Question 2

patient co-payment

Answer 2

Patient co-payments- the payment made by the consumer for health products or services in addition to the amount paid by the government

• As of 1 January 2021: $41.30 or $6.60 for concession cardholders.
• Government covers remaining costs.
• Costs adjusted annually on 1 January to align with inflation.

Question 3

the PBS - medicines

Answer 3

• Covers approximately 5000 brands of prescription medicine.
• Some drugs are not covered, requiring full payment.

Question 4

pharmaceutical benefits advisory committee

Answer 4

• Reviews available medications three times a year.
• Independent committee of health professionals considers new medications for PBS inclusion.
• No new medicine can be listed without positive committee recommendation.
• Considers medical conditions, clinical effectiveness, safety, and cost-effectiveness before listing.
• In 2019-20, over $12.5 billion paid through PBS.
• On average, nine prescriptions subsidized per person in Australia.