A re-elected Morrison Government will invest $308 million to cut the cost of life changing prescription medicines for more than 1.4 million Australians with chronic conditions who require multiple medicines.
Member for Bonner Ross Vasta said this will help locals suffering from chronic conditions such as heart disease, high cholesterol, arthritis, asthma, diabetes and cancer.
“Our strong economic management means we are providing Australian patients with access to life-saving and life-changing medicines quicker than ever before,” Mr Vasta said.
From 1 January 2020 the Safety Net threshold to receive free or further discounted medicines through the PBS will be lowered by 12 scripts for pensioners and concession card holders and the equivalent of 2 scripts for non-concession card holders.
“This change will mean that people will take less time to reach their safety net threshold saving them up to $80 per year,” said Mr Vasta.
“Families who require multiple medicines per month and pensioners with multiple chronic conditions will get the most benefit.”
A strong economy means the Morrison Government can guarantee the essential services Australians rely and deliver and increase funding for hospitals, medicines and Medicare.
“Our plan for Strengthening Australia’s World-Class Health System is providing Bonner residents with access to quality medical care, record hospital funding, affordable life-changing medicines and breakthrough research for new drugs and treatments,” said Mr Vasta.
“Medicare funding is at record levels. Almost nine out of 10 Australians who visit the doctor have no out of pocket costs with GP bulk billing rates at a record 79 per cent in Bonner.”
Since 2013 the Coalition has made more than 2000 new medicines listings on the PBS through an investment of over $10.6 billion.
“Labor, when Bill Shorten was Assistant Treasurer, stopped listing medicines on the PBS because they racked up billions in deficits and weakened the budget.”
