The Australian Government has lowered the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) patient co-payment for all Medicare card holders to $25, down from $31.60 per PBS prescription. The concessional co-payment will remain at $7.70.
Since 1 January 2026, the co-payment reduction applies to all Medicare cardholders. The concessional co-payment will remain the same for pensioners and concession card holders until 2030.
These measures make PBS medicines more affordable so you can fill your prescriptions without delay due to cost.
In addition to PBS co-payment changes, you may also get access to cheaper medicines through a 60-day prescription.
A range of medicines on the PBS are available for 60-day prescriptions for some stable, ongoing health conditions, meaning many people can get twice the medicine on a single prescription. The co-payment reduction will not change your eligibility for a 60-day prescription.
View the campaign materials and learn more about the PBS patient co-payment reduction.