Understanding the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) in Australia

The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) is an Australian government program that subsidizes the cost of a wide range of prescription medications. Established in 1948, the PBS aims to provide affordable access to necessary medicines for all Australians, ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent individuals from receiving essential treatments.

Under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, the Australian Government subsidises the cost of prescription drugs for most medical conditions thus lowering the cost of certain medicines. The PBS service is an integral part of the Australian health care system and can only be availed by permanent residents & citizens of Australia having a medicare card.

Overseas visitors that are citizens of countries falling under the Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA) are also eligible for these subsidies. Australia has Reciprocal Health Care Agreements (RHCAs) with the United Kingdom, Ireland, New Zealand, Malta, Italy, Sweden, the Netherlands, Finland, Norway, Belgium, and Slovenia.

Most of the PBS listed medicines are dispensed by pharmacists, and are used by patients at home with an exception of some medicines that may need medical supervision to administer, and are only available at specialised medical services like medical centers and hospitals.

Medications are categorized into two lists: the PBS Schedule and the Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (RPBS). The PBS Schedule includes medications for the general public, while the RPBS caters specifically to veterans and eligible dependents. The scheme covers various medications, including those for chronic illnesses, mental health conditions, and acute infections.

The PBS is regularly reviewed and updated to include new medications and therapies, ensuring that Australians have access to the latest treatments.

PBS and Medicare

The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme works in conjunction with Medicare, Australia’s universal healthcare card. While Medicare covers a wide range of medical services, including doctor visits and hospital stays, the PBS specifically focuses on prescription medications.

How They Work Together

• Complementary Coverage: Medicare provides coverage for consultations with healthcare providers, while the PBS ensures that the medications prescribed during these consultations are affordable.
• Eligibility: To benefit from the PBS, individuals must be enrolled in Medicare. This includes Australian citizens, permanent residents, and certain eligible visa holders.

Official Website for PBS – https://www.pbs.gov.au