North to South Posted November 27, 2019 Share Posted November 27, 2019 Hello, I'd like some guidance on how the cost of prescribed medication works in Australia and what the most cost effective way is to obtain medication. I have to use 2 inhalers for Asthma along with 3 other types of medication for minor ailments each day. In the UK I have these on a prepayment so it costs about £9 a month and I want to work out how much roughly I'd have to pay each month in Australia and also whether 'bulk billing' (not sure how this works) is the best way to go. Appreciate any guidance. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skani Posted November 27, 2019 Share Posted November 27, 2019 Bulk billing applies only to appointments with a medical practitioner - not to the price of medication. The cost will depend on the exact medication prescribed for you: some are subsidised under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), for others you have to pay full price. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rammygirl Posted November 27, 2019 Share Posted November 27, 2019 Also not fixed prescription charges. Depends on the pharmacy. Chemist warehouse are usually cheapest and you can look on line at their prices. If the cost of medication is high their is a cap. The Medicare website should have more specific info. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ali Posted November 27, 2019 Share Posted November 27, 2019 There is a PBS threshold which you can register for (this changes yearly), once you reach the threshold you pay a reduced rate. You will be charged per item and if eg. you are on a dose which is 150mg and that is supplied in 100mg tablets and 50mg tablets - you will pay for both doses of tablets. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sadge Posted March 16, 2020 Share Posted March 16, 2020 One of my medications the dose is 20mg tab per day - the Doctor gives me a script for 80mg tablets so I quarter them. Likewise, my 500mg tablet he writes script for 1000mg and I halve them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest The Pom Queen Posted March 23, 2020 Share Posted March 23, 2020 On 16/03/2020 at 13:20, Sadge said: One of my medications the dose is 20mg tab per day - the Doctor gives me a script for 80mg tablets so I quarter them. Likewise, my 500mg tablet he writes script for 1000mg and I halve them. Yes this is a very good idea and sometimes the higher dose can even be cheaper. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobHatton Posted July 16, 2020 Share Posted July 16, 2020 On 16/03/2020 at 13:20, Sadge said: One of my medications the dose is 20mg tab per day - the Doctor gives me a script for 80mg tablets so I quarter them. Likewise, my 500mg tablet he writes script for 1000mg and I halve them. Be careful doing that - particularly with diabetes medications. Also, enteric coated mads shouldn't be halved or quartered. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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