The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) plays a crucial role in Australia’s healthcare system, offering essential medications at affordable prices. For seniors, who often manage multiple chronic health conditions, the PBS ensures they can access the medications they need without financial strain. Recent changes to the PBS, including the introduction of 60-day prescriptions, have made these medications more accessible and convenient.
However, while these reforms are a step in the right direction, there remain challenges around ensuring a consistent and sufficient supply of these medicines. This is where strategic actions and collaboration between healthcare providers, pharmacies, and seniors can help ensure that essential medications remain available when needed most.
PBS Support for Senior Health
The PBS is a vital component of Australia’s healthcare system, making prescription medicines more accessible and affordable to the general population. For seniors, who often rely on multiple medications to manage chronic conditions and maintain their health, the PBS is a lifeline.
Affordability
The PBS helps seniors access necessary medications without imposing significant financial burdens. This affordability ensures that seniors can continue their treatment plans without interruption.
Health Maintenance
Many seniors rely on prescription medicines to manage chronic illnesses such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease. A consistent supply of these medications is essential to their health and quality of life.
Preventing Hospitalisation
Adequate access to prescription medicines can prevent health deterioration and hospitalisation, ultimately reducing healthcare costs for the government and individuals.
Peace of Mind
Knowing that prescription medications are available and affordable provides seniors with peace of mind, reducing anxiety related to their health.
PBS Reforms: Expanding Access for Seniors
The Australian government recognises the importance of the PBS and started making improvements in 2023 to ensure a seamless and reliable supply of prescription medicines, including those for elderly patients.
On 26 April 2023, the government announced that medicines listed under the PBS will be available on 60-day Maximum Dispensing Quantity (MDQ) instead of the regular 30 days.
An initial roster of 92 medicines covering 256 PBS items was declared on 60-day MDQs effective 1 September 2023, with the medicines covering illnesses such as acute myeloid and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and severe hypoglycaemia. A second batch confirmed on 1 March 2024 covered medicines for stable noncommunicable diseases such as breast cancer, menopause, arthritis, and prostate cancer/enlargement.
The last phase was marked for 1 September 2024, putting an estimated 325 PBS-approved medicines on increased stocks.
The increase was made on recommendations of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee, which suggested that a larger supply is needed for people suffering from serious medical conditions.
To be counted eligible for the new 60-day MDQ, seniors who still have an existing prescription must consume the remaining amount of medicine in the vial and their GP may issue a fresh prescription pending current reevaluation.
While these changes have improved the accessibility and convenience of PBS medicines for seniors, ensuring a larger and consistent supply remains essential.
However, the new MDQ has generated mixed concerns. The Pharmacy Guild of Australia claimed that it was bound to exacerbate medicine shortages, as 495 types of medicines were already supposedly hit with varying degrees of reduced stocks. The Guild also stated that some pharmacies might even lose money in the process – to the tune of $170k a year.
Other stakeholders were hopeful of the change being able to generate savings. Australian Medical Association president Dr. Steve Robson explained to Health Minister Mark Butler that the new MDQ might save patients up to $180 a year on specific medicines. In a writeup to the RAGCP website blog, Dr. Mark Raines postulated that instead of paying the $7.82 dispensing fee every month you visit the pharmacy, you will only pay it every two months to secure your stocks, with projected savings of $46.92 over a year. Think of it: ABC’s Danielle Maguire said Medicare patients will only have to pay $30 every prescription but Concession Card bearers only need to pay $7.50.
The Need for Larger PBS Supplies for Seniors
Despite the positive changes to the PBS, the need for larger supplies of prescription medicines for seniors remains a priority for several reasons.
Chronic Health Conditions
Seniors often manage multiple chronic health conditions, requiring a regular and uninterrupted supply of medications.
Supply Chain Challenges
The global supply chain has faced disruptions, impacting the availability of drugs. Ensuring larger supplies can mitigate the risk of shortages.
Emergency Situations
In cases of emergencies, such as natural disasters or pandemics, seniors may face difficulties accessing pharmacies or healthcare providers. Having larger supplies can provide a buffer during such times.
Easier Admin Burden
Longer prescription durations, such as 60-day MDQ, can reduce the administrative burden on healthcare providers and seniors, streamlining the prescription process.
Securing PBS Medicine Supply for Seniors
Securing an adequate supply of PBS medicines for seniors involves a combination of proactive measures and collaboration between healthcare providers, pharmacists, and seniors themselves.
Medication Review
Seniors should have regular medication reviews with their healthcare providers to ensure their prescriptions are up-to-date and align with their current health needs.
Request Longer Prescriptions
Seniors can discuss with their healthcare providers the option of obtaining 60-day prescriptions for eligible medications to reduce the frequency of visits to the pharmacy.
Pharmacy Collaboration
Pharmacies play a critical role in ensuring a consistent supply of medicines. Seniors can establish a good relationship with their local pharmacy, which can help in cases of shortages or emergencies.
Medication Synch
Seniors taking multiple medications can synchronise their refills to occur on the same day. This strategy can simplify the process and ensure that all medications are available when needed.
Emergency Medication Kits
Consider preparing emergency medication kits with a few days’ supply of essential meds in case of unforeseen circumstances or disruptions. A loved one can aid in segregating the medicines in the kits for you.
Government Assistance
Seniors who face financial challenges in accessing prescription medicines should explore government assistance programmes that may be available to them.
Keep Up-to-date
Stay informed about changes to the PBS and any updates related to prescription medications. A loved one or carer may guide the senior with what to do.
Online Services
Explore Australian online pharmacy services that offer home delivery options. This can be particularly useful for seniors who may have difficulty visiting physical pharmacies.
Conclusion
Accessing more supplies of PBS medicines for seniors is essential to their health, well-being, and peace of mind. The PBS plays a pivotal role in making medications affordable and accessible, but proactive steps are necessary to ensure a consistent supply.
By staying informed, working closely with healthcare providers and pharmacists, and taking advantage of recent changes such as 60-day prescriptions and digital prescriptions, seniors can secure the medications they need to manage chronic conditions and enjoy a higher quality of life. It’s a collective effort involving healthcare professionals, seniors, and the government to ensure that prescription medicines remain a reliable resource for Australia’s ageing population.
The A.S.A.G. Reverse Mortgage
The A.S.A.G. Reverse Mortgage may be a vital asset in your personal healthcare efforts, including medicine supplies. A Day-to-Day Expenses or Home Care solution may include budgeted funds to pay for your PBS prescriptions, plus accessories for securely storing or carrying a set amount of the drugs while you’re on the go. That money can also be part of a larger medical treatment programme.
Call the A.S.A.G. at 1300 002 724 or send an email to info@asagfirst.com.au to discuss your medical supply finances. You can also use the equity assessment tool below.
DISCLAIMER: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute official advice. A.S.A.G. is not affiliated with any mentioned brands or companies.