Frequently Asked Questions
Am I eligible?
As long as you hold a Medicare card, and are a public patient on discharge from a hospital, or a public outpatient participating in the reforms, you are eligible to receive the benefits of these reforms. When you receive medication on discharge or as an outpatient, you will need to show your Medicare card or to have had it recorded when your were admitted to hospital to prove you are eligible for the PBS subsidy. Access to the PBS is also available for citizens of those countries with which Australia has a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement.
Will it cost more to get my prescription dispensed at the hospital?
No, getting your prescription at the hospital pharmacy will cost about the same as if you were to go to your local chemist.
How much will it cost to get my prescription filled?
General patients pay up to $29.50 toward the cost of each PBS medicine and $23.60 for each non-PBS medicine. The Government pays the rest. Concession Card holders (issued by Centrelink) pay $4.70 towards each PBS medicine. Some medicines attract extra charges that are paid by the patient. Examples are Brand Price Premiums, Special Patient Contributions and Therapeutic Group Premiums.
Will I need to bring cash with me to hospital to get my medication?
No, you may choose to pay by credit card or cheque (check with the hospital), or ask a family member to bring money when they come to collect you up from hospital. In some cases, it may be possible for the hospital to give you an account for later payment. In all cases, it will be important for you to have your Medicare card, concession card and Safety Net Card (if applicable) when going to hospital.
Can I get the prescription written by my GP filled at a public hospital?
No, hospitals are not able to dispense prescriptions written by GPs in the community. They are able to dispense Hospital PBS prescriptions written by any other participating hospital.