Cheaper Medicines
From January, general patients will now pay no more than $25 per PBS script. The last time PBS medicines cost no more than $25 was 2004 – more than 20 years ago.
This is a more than 20 per cent cut in the maximum cost of PBS medicines and for local patients, it means more than 42,000 additional cheaper scripts are expected to be dispensed on average each year in Blair, saving residents more than $1.5 million.
Pensioners and concession cardholders will continue to benefit from the freeze to the cost of their PBS medicines, with the cost frozen at its current level of $7.70 until 2030.
This builds on previous reforms, which have allowed residents in Blair to save around $9.5 million on cheaper medicines on more than 1.3 million scripts, with savings set to grow following an expansion of medicines eligible for a 60-day script.
1800MEDICARE
Local residents will have even better access to free health advice as 1800MEDICARE launches from this month, delivering on a Labor election commitment.
Whether you need expert health advice or reassurance, registered nurses at 1800MEDICARE will be available 24/7 to provide advice and refer patients to the health service they need, whether that is their regular GP, the local hospital or a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic, with clinics in Ipswich and Goodna.
If you need urgent care that cannot wait for your regular GP, triage nurses can connect you to a free telehealth session with a 1800MEDICARE GP via phone or video, available all weekend and weeknights between 6pm and 8am.
On your phone and in the comfort of your home, a 1800MEDICARE GP will provide the free care you need, like an emergency prescription for your regular medication, or treatment for an illness or injury.
From 1 January, people can call 1800MEDICARE (1800 633 422), visit medicare.gov.au/1800 or download the new 1800MEDICARE app to access services.
Medicare Mental Health Check In
The Albanese Government’s Medicare Mental Health Check In is now online, giving easy and free access to early support for Australians experiencing mild mental health challenges.
Medicare Mental Health Check In is part of the Government’s commitment to ensure Australians can receive free mental health care when they need it, and will complement the Ipswich Medicare Mental Health Centre.
Run by St Vincent’s Health Australia, the service will initially provide evidence-based resources to help people manage symptoms.
The service will expand from 30 March, when Australian's will be able to access low-intensity cognitive behavioural therapy, delivered by trained professionals via phone or video. In time, it is expected to help more than 150,000 people each year.
Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann said that across the board, the Government was firmly focused on delivering for local families and relieving cost of living pressures.
“The Albanese Labor Government is starting the new year delivering cheaper medicines, and more health care with 1800MEDICARE and Medicare Mental Health Check in,” Mr Neumann said.
“From today, people across Ipswich, the Somerset Region and Karana Downs area will pay no more than $25 for a PBS medicine. This is good news for their hip pocket and good news for their health.
“With 1800MEDICARE, the Albanese Government is making it easier for locals to access health care when and where they need it, complementing our Medicare Urgent Care Clinics in Ipswich and Goodna, and our boost to bulk billing.
“Medicare Mental Health Check In, our new national early intervention service, will provide free mental health support and care, without a diagnosis or referral.”
