Central Coast residents have saved more than $3.47M on prescription medicines since January 2023, with savings set to grow following an expansion of the number of medicines eligible for a 60-day script.
Residents in the Robertson electorate have already saved more than $1.96M and in Dobell more than $1.5M.
On March 1, the Federal Government doubled the number of medicines available for a 60-day script, with a total of 184 medicines now eligible.
This means locals with ongoing health conditions like diabetes, epilepsy, breast cancer and menopause will now be able to receive a two-month supply of their medication for the price of one script.
Australians without a concession card will save up to $189 per medicine, per year.
Pensioners and concession cardholders will save up to $46.20 per medicine, per year.
Locals have already been taking advantage of 60-day scripts, with 20,725 60-day scripts dispensed in Robertson and 17,673 in Dobell between September 2023 and January 2024.
Nationally, Australians have already saved more than $11.7M on almost three million 60-day scripts in the same time period.
Every dollar the government saved from 60-day prescriptions has been returned to pharmacies, with new programs and payments to provide more services.
Together, these investments have already seen an extra $50M flow into pharmacies.
Member for Robertson Gordon Reid said Coast residents were reaping the benefits.
“Residents have told me 60-day scripts are saving them time and money and preventing unnecessary trips to the GP,” he said.
“Cheaper medicines mean real cost of living relief for people in our community.
“Our community has saved more than $3.47M on cheaper medicines since the start of last year, and the savings are set to continue in 2024.”
Health Minister Mark Butler said cheaper medicines have helped Australians save almost $280M since January last year.
“Another 100 medicines are now available for a 60-day script, saving time and money for millions of Australians with a stable ongoing health condition, so they don’t have to choose between their health and paying the bills,” he said.
“The Albanese Government is continuing to make medicines cheaper so that all Australians can access the medication they need.”
You can find the full list of medicines at: www.health.gov.au/cheapermedicines
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