The Albanese Labor Government is delivering cheaper medicines, 1800MEDICARE and more mental health support for Australians this New Year.
Cheaper Medicines
From today, general patients will now pay no more than $25 per PBS script. The last time PBS medicines cost no more than $25 was 2004 – more than 20 years ago.
This is a more than 20 per cent cut in the maximum cost of PBS medicines and will save Australians over $200 million each year.
Pensioners and concession cardholders will continue to benefit from the freeze to the cost of their PBS medicines, with the cost frozen at its current level of $7.70 until 2030.
This builds on action we’ve already taken to deliver cost of living relief through Cheaper Medicines, including:
- More free and cheaper medicines, sooner, with a 25 per cent reduction in the number of scripts a concessional patient must fill before the PBS Safety Net kicks in – (July 2022)
- The largest cut to the cost of medicines in the history of the PBS, with the maximum cost of a general script falling from $42.50 to $30 in January 2023 and now to $25 in January 2026
- 60-day prescriptions saving time and money for millions of Australians with an ongoing health condition, now covering more than 300 medicines – (from September 2023)
- Freezing the cost of PBS medicines, with co-payments not rising with inflation for all Australians for the first time in 25 years – (January 2025)
These measures have combined to save Australians more than $1.9 billion on cheaper medicines through the PBS from January 2023 to 30 November 2025.
1800MEDICARE
Australians will have even better access to free health advice as 1800MEDICARE launches today, delivering on the Albanese Government’s election commitment.
Whether you need expert health advice or reassurance, the registered nurses at 1800MEDICARE will be there 24/7, to provide advice and refer you to the health service you need, whether that’s your regular GP, the local hospital or a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic.
If you need urgent GP care that can’t wait for your regular GP to be available, the triage nurses can connect you to a free telehealth session with a 1800MEDICARE GP via phone or video, available all weekend and weeknights between 6pm and 8am.
On your phone and in the comfort of your home, a 1800MEDICARE GP will provide the free care you need, like an emergency prescription for your regular medication, or treatment for an illness or injury.
It is expected around 250,000 Australians will avoid an unnecessary trip to a hospital emergency department each year, because of the health advice and services provided by 1800MEDICARE. This includes through up to 130,000 free urgent telehealth GP services each year by the end of the decade.
From 1 January, people can call 1800MEDICARE (1800 633 422), visit medicare.gov.au/1800 or download the new 1800MEDICARE app to access services.
Medicare Mental Health Check In
The Albanese Government’s Medicare Mental Health Check In is now online, giving easy and free access to early support for Australians experiencing mild mental health challenges.
Medicare Mental Health Check In is part of the Albanese Government’s commitment to ensure Australians can receive free mental health care when they need it.
Run by St Vincent’s Health Australia, the service will initially provide evidence-based resources to help people manage symptoms.
The service will expand from 30 March, when Australian's will be able to access low-intensity cognitive behavioural therapy, delivered by trained professionals via phone or video.
In time, it is expected to help more than 150,000 people each year.
Quotes attributable to the Prime Minister:
“Australia is the best country on earth because we look out for each other.
“There’s a reason the Medicare card is green and gold - Medicare is the best of Australian values put into practice, people being looked after when they need it no matter who they are.
“We’re cutting the cost of PBS medicines because Australians shouldn’t have to worry about whether they can afford to fill a script.
“From 1 January 2026, patients will pay no more than $25 per PBS script – the last time that was the case was 2004 – more than 20 years ago.
“Across the board, my government is firmly focused on delivering for Australians and relieving cost of living pressures.”
Quotes attributable to Minister Butler:
“The Albanese Government is starting the new year delivering Australians cheaper medicines, and more health care with 1800MEDICARE and Medicare Mental Health Check in.
“From today, Australians will pay no more than $25 for a PBS medicine. This is good news for their hip pocket and good news for their health.
“With 1800MEDICARE, the Albanese Government is making it easier for Australians
to access health care when and where they need it.
“1800MEDICARE works with existing services, supports local care, and will help divert people with less serious health concerns away from emergency departments and towards more appropriate health care.”
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister McBride:
“We’re focused on strengthening Medicare and making PBS scripts more affordable for all Australians.
“As a pharmacist, I saw people having to decide which scripts to fill. Cutting the cost of PBS prescriptions to $25 will significantly reduce the burden on households.
“Medicare Mental Health Check In, our new national early intervention service, will provide free mental health support and care, without a diagnosis or referral.”