Prescriptions Archives - Illawarra Medical Centre https://illawarramedical.com.au/category/prescriptions/ Providing superior health care to families and local businesses in the Ballajura area for more than 25 years Tue, 19 Sep 2023 03:36:04 +0000 en-AU hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 What the new 60-day prescriptions mean for patients https://illawarramedical.com.au/what-the-new-60-day-prescriptions-mean-for-patients/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=what-the-new-60-day-prescriptions-mean-for-patients Tue, 19 Sep 2023 03:33:57 +0000 https://illawarramedical.com.au/?p=7209 Earlier this month, the Australian Government introduced 60-day prescriptions for almost 100 medicines listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), to help reduce annual costs to patients. In this month’s blog, we take a look at what medicines are covered and how these changes will benefit patients. What are the changes? From 1 September 2023, […]

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Earlier this month, the Australian Government introduced 60-day prescriptions for almost 100 medicines listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), to help reduce annual costs to patients. In this month’s blog, we take a look at what medicines are covered and how these changes will benefit patients.

What are the changes?

From 1 September 2023, those eligible and living with a chronic condition will be able to buy 60 days’ supply of selected PBS-listed medicines in a single visit to the pharmacy for the cost of a single prescription.

The changes will be rolled out in three phases over 12 months, with the first phase including 92 medicines for a range of conditions, including:

  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Gout
  • Heart failure
  • High cholesterol
  • Hypertension
  • Osteoporosis
  • Ulcerative colitis

To see the full list of medicines included in phase 1, click here>>

By September 2024, it is expected that 60-day scripts will be available for more than 300 out of 950 medicines currently listed on the PBS.

The full list of medicines includes some of those recommended for a range of additional ongoing health conditions, including:

  • Asthma
  • Breast cancer
  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
  • Constipation
  • Chronic renal failure
  • Depression
  • Diabetes
  • Endometriosis
  • Endometrial cancer
  • Epilepsy
  • Glaucoma and dry eyes
  • Gout
  • Hormonal replacement and modulation therapy
  • Parkinson’s disease

The medicines with the option of 60-day scripts have been specifically chosen, as they are treatments for ongoing, chronic health conditions and meet the required clinical safety criteria.

Medicines that aren’t included are generally those used for only a short period of time and that pose a potential risk of overuse, such as pain medicines and some medicines used for mental health conditions.

It’s important to note that the maximum number of repeats will not change and prescriptions will continue to remain valid for 12 months only.

For more information on the introduction of 60-day prescriptions, visit https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/60-day-prescriptions

Why have these changes been introduced?

Primarily, this change is about making medicine more affordable for patients. It will allow those living with a chronic, stable condition to be able to buy two months’ worth of medicine for the price of a single prescription, instead of the 30-day supply that has previously been in place.

For patients, this essentially means they won’t have to visit the doctor or pharmacy as often to renew a script, which will assist with easing cost-of-living pressures. It will also help save time and reduce travel costs for those with limited mobility or living in remote locations.

People with a Medicare card buying only one of the medicines on the list are expected to save up to $180 per year, while concession card holders are likely to save around $43.80 per year for each eligible medicine.

The Australian Government anticipates that the changes will result in a halving of the cost of medicines for around 6 million Australians.

How will this impact the PBS Safety Net?

The PBS Safety Net is a system put in place to help patients who require a large number of PBS medicines throughout the year.

Once you or your family spend a certain amount on PBS medicine, you will reach the PBS Safety Net threshold, which is currently $262.80 for concession card holders and $1,563.50 for general patients.

Once the Safety Net is reached, your medicines will either become free or available at a reduced cost.

The PBS Safety Net will remain in place with the introduction of 60-day scripts. However, you may find that you reach the Safety Net later in the year, or not at all, as a result of the savings you receive from the 60-day prescription throughout the year.

How can I get a 60-day prescription?

If you have a current prescription, you will need to complete this script first before seeing your doctor for a new prescription and requesting a 60-day supply.

Your medication must be on the approved list and the decision of whether or not to provide you with a 60-day script ultimately lies with your GP or other prescriber, based on their professional clinical judgement.

If your doctor feels that your condition needs a more frequent review, they may continue to provide you with a 30-days script. You can also request to continue with a 30-day script if that is what you prefer.

To make an appointment at IMC to discuss or renew your script, book online or contact us on (08) 9208 6400.

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