From 1 January 2026, prescription medicines covered by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) will become more affordable for many Australians. The maximum amount Medicare card holders pay for each PBS prescription will drop from $31.60 to $25 per script.
This includes PrEP, making HIV prevention more accessible also.
This is the lowest general PBS co-payment since 2004 and will help reduce the cost of essential medicines
If you have a concession card, there is no change, you will continue to pay no more than $7.70 per script until at least 2030.
Lower medicine costs mean fewer financial barriers to staying healthy. These changes support people to start and stay on treatment, manage long-term health conditions, and look after their wellbeing with greater peace of mind.
Learn more: https://www.health.gov.au/cheaper-medicines/pbs-co-payments
