Buying medicines
Discounted prescription medicines
Some prescription medicines can cost a lot of money. The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) can lower the cost. Find out about the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme on the Services Australia website.
Discounted prescription medicines for veterans
The Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (RPBS) provides eligible Veteran Card holders with access to a wide range of medicines and wound care items at the concessional rate. The RPBS may help you access more items than are available through the PBS. Find out about concessional medicines under the Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme on the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) website.
Closing the Gap PBS Co-payment Program
The Closing the Gap PBS Co-payment helps First Nations people get cheaper medicines if their doctor thinks they need help to manage their health.
Your doctor will need to register you for the program. Find more information about the Closing the Gap PBS Co-payment on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme website.
Life Saving Drugs Program
The Life Saving Drugs Program helps eligible people with ultra-rare life-threatening diseases get fully subsidised medicines. Find out about the Life Saving Drugs Program on the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website.
Generic medicines
Generic medicines may cost less than brand-name medicines. You can find out what generic medicines are and why they may be cheaper on the healthdirect website.
Cheaper medicines with concession and health care cards
Concession and health care cards can get you cheaper health services and medicines. Check if you’re eligible for concession and health care cards on the Services Australia website.
Manage your prescriptions
You can use the 1800MEDICARE app to access:
- your electronic prescriptions and Active Script List
- information about medical and pharmaceutical services provided by Medicare.
Find out more about the 1800MEDICARE app on the Australian Digital Health Agency website.
Find a pharmacy
Find a pharmacy near you using the Service Finder on the healthdirect website.