PBS patient co-payment freeze

The Australian Government has implemented a freeze on the maximum patient cost for PBS medicines, effective 01 January 2025. This measure, aimed at easing cost of living pressures, maintains the 2024 co-payment rates for all Medicare and concession card holders.

General patients will experience a one-year freeze, while pensioners and other Commonwealth concession card holders will benefit from a five-year freeze.  The freeze applies to all PBS prescription medicines for eligible Medicare and Commonwealth concession card holders, aiming to prevent delays in filling prescriptions due to cost concerns.

PBS co-payment freeze | Cheaper medicines | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care