PBS Co-Payment Guide: How to Lower Your Prescription Costs

If you’ve ever glanced at a pharmacy receipt and wondered why you still pay something after the PBS subsidy, you’re not alone. The PBS (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme) helps keep most medicines affordable, but a small co‑payment still slips through. Knowing how it works can save you cash and frustration.

How the PBS Co-Payment Works

Every PBS‑listed drug has a set price. The government pays the bulk, and the patient covers the rest – that’s the co‑payment. As of 2025 the standard amount is around AU$9.35 for most items, but there are lower rates for concessional patients, seniors, and children. If a medication costs less than the co‑payment, you pay nothing.

The co‑payment isn’t a tax; it’s a flat fee per prescription, regardless of how many tablets you get. Some medicines, like certain cancer drugs, are exempt – you pay $0. Others, like high‑price brand‑name drugs, might trigger a higher co‑payment if they fall outside the PBS schedule.

Tips to Reduce Your Out‑of‑Pocket Spend

First, check if you qualify for a concession card. A pensioner, low‑income earners, or veterans often get the reduced $2.80 rate. If you’re close to the threshold, applying for a card could drop your cost dramatically.

Second, use the PBS Safety Net. Once you hit a yearly out‑of‑pocket limit (about AU$1,000 for general patients), any extra PBS prescriptions become free for the rest of the year. Keep track of your receipts so you know when you’ve reached the cap.

Third, ask your doctor about PBS alternatives. Many brand‑name drugs have cheaper generic equivalents that sit on the PBS list with the same therapeutic effect. Switching can shave off the co‑payment entirely.

Fourth, consider bulk‑prescribing. If your condition allows, getting a 3‑month supply in one script can reduce the number of co‑payments you make. Just verify that your pharmacy offers the same price for larger packs.

Finally, use online calculators or the official PBS website to see the exact co‑payment for each prescription before you fill it. Knowing the amount ahead of time helps you budget and avoid surprises.

Remember, the co‑payment is meant to share some cost, not to burden you. By staying informed about concessions, the Safety Net, and cheaper alternatives, you can keep your medication costs down while still getting the treatments you need.

Got more questions? Talk to your pharmacist—they can review your prescription list, point out any PBS‑eligible options, and help you make the most of the government's subsidy.