AUSTRALIANS have saved over $30 million since medicine became cheaper at the start of the year (PD 05 Jan), the Pharmacy Guild of Australia has revealed.
The maximum cost of a PBS prescription fell to $25, marking the second co-payment reduction in the history of the PBS.
While the co-payment for those with a concession card has already been frozen at $7.70 until 2030, the price of prescriptions for non-concession card holders will begin rising from Jan 2027, in line with indexation.
The industry body is now calling on the Federal Government to freeze to co-payment at $25 until 2030.
"Community pharmacists care for Australians every single day, and we see firsthand the impact that the cost of essential medicines has on their health and wellbeing," said Professor Trent Twomey, National President Pharmacy Guild of Australia.
"Prescription prices are now the lowest they have been in 20 years, but we can't stop here.
"Without a freeze, the copayment will begin rising again, putting pressure back on families and those already feeling the cost-of-living squeeze," he explained.
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