The Australian Medicare system provides Pharmaceutical Prescriptions at subsidised prices for most people in Australia.
Some groups, those that hold concession cards, have these Prescriptions subsidised at a greater rate than others.
Normal prices for Prescriptions in Australia are currently:
- up to $6.60 for concession card holders.
- up to $41.00 for general patients.
For people who need a lot of prescriptions in a year, there is a further benefit, the “Pharmaceutical Benefits Safety Net“.
This ensures even higher subsidies for everyone, once they have spent a certain amount on Prescriptions in the year.
The 2020 PBS Safety Net thresholds are:.
- $316.80 for concession card holders (about 48 standard prescriptions).
- $1,486.80 for general patients (about 36 standard prescriptions).
Once you reach that threshold, you need to apply for a PBS Safety Net card to get the cheaper Prescription Medicines.
Your Prescriptions after that will then be either:
- Free for concession card holders.
- Up to $6.60 for general patients.
Source: servicesaustralia.gov.au/…/pbs-safety-net-thresholds