PBS Initiatives
New PBS Safety Net thresholds
The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) Safety Net helps to keep medicines affordable by limiting out-of-pocket expenses for people amd families who need a large number of medicines.
The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) Safety Net helps to keep medicines affordable by limiting out-of-pocket expenses for people and families who need a large number of medicines.
Each year from 2006 to 2009, the PBS Safety Net thresholds increased by an amount equal to two patient contributions, in addition to the usual annual Consumer Price Index (CPI) adjustment.
- In 2012, the general patient contribution is $35.40. The general patient Safety Net threshold is $1,363.30. This amount incorporates eight additional general patient contributions compared with the 2005 threshold.
- In 2012, the concessional patient contribution is $5.80. The concessional patient Safety Net threshold is $348.00 which is equal to concessional patient contributions for 60 prescriptions and incorporates eight additional contributions compared with the 2005 threshold.
- The changes to the concessional Safety Net threshold also apply to the Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (RPBS) for veterans.
- From 2010, the general and concessional Safety Net thresholds will be adjusted by the CPI indexation only.
On 1 January each year the co-payment is adjusted in line with the CPI.
