Liberal and Nationals Government delivers cheaper and free medicine for Wide Bay residents

May 9, 2019

9/5/2019

Liberal and Nationals Government delivers cheaper and free medicine for Wide Bay residents

A re-elected Liberal and Nationals Government will cut the cost of life-changing medicines for conditions such as heart disease, high cholesterol, arthritis, asthma, diabetes and cancer, Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien announced today.

Mr O’Brien said the Morrison Government will invest $308 million to slash the expense of prescriptions for a range of chronic conditions, helping more than 1.4 million who require multiple medicines.
 
From 1 January 2020 the Safety Net threshold to receive free or further discounted medicines through the PBS will be lowered by 12 scripts for pensioners and concession card holders and the equivalent of 2 scripts for non-concession card holders.
 
“This change will mean that people will reach their safety net threshold sooner, saving them up to $80 per year,” Mr O’Brien said.

“Families who require multiple medicines per month and pensioners with multiple chronic conditions will receive the most benefit from this investment.

“The Coalition’s strong economic management means we can afford to provide patients with access to life-saving medicines quicker than ever before, guarantee the essential services Australians rely upon, and deliver and increase funding for hospitals, medicines and Medicare.”

Mr O’Brien said the Liberal and National Government’s plan for Strengthening Australia’s World-Class Health System is providing Wide Bay residents with access to quality medical care, record hospital funding, affordable life-changing medicines and breakthrough research for new drugs and treatments.

“Medicare funding is at record levels. Almost nine out of 10 people who visit the doctor have no out-of-pocket costs, with GP bulk billing rates in Wide Bay at a record 86.4 per cent, up from 83.1 per cent under Labor.”

Since 2013 the Coalition has made more than 2000 new medicines listings on the PBS through an investment of over $10.6 billion.

“Labor, when Bill Shorten was Assistant Treasurer, stopped listing medicines on the PBS because they racked up billions in deficits and weakened the budget.”

ENDS

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

WELCOME TO WIDE BAY

In the spirit of Australia, I acknowledge all citizens who contribute to making our nation the greatest on earth.

I acknowledge our defence force personnel, past, present, and emerging, for their service to our nation, and particularly those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the defence of Australia.

I also acknowledge the Australian taxpayers who, through their hard work, pay for the infrastructure, health, education, and emergency services that keep our proud nation healthy, safe, and prosperous.