Government decision hits Chemist Warehouse's prescription policy

Having access to quality and affordable medicine is a must for anyone.

A recent government decision may impact many wallets, especially those living on fixed incomes and budgets.


The Albanese government recently removed the $1 discount on prescription medicines at Chemist Warehouse.

The decision sparked concern among Australians already grappling with the rising cost of living.

This move, influenced by the Pharmacy Guild's successful lobbying, could affect the wallets of many, particularly those who rely on regular medications.


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Medicine is vital for many people’s lives—from over-the-counter remedies, vitamins, and prescription medicine. Image Credit: Pexels/Anna Shvets


Since 2016, Chemist Warehouse has been using a policy introduced by former health minister Sussan Ley, allowing them to offer a $1 discount on the government-set prices of prescriptions.

This discount relieved consumers and introduced a level of competition among pharmacies.

However, with the recent government decision, the days of discounted scripts at Chemist Warehouse are numbered.


The Pharmacy Guild argued that ending the $1 discount will benefit Australians struggling with healthcare costs in the long run by keeping costs down and restoring uniformity to prescription prices.

'The freezing of maximum medicine co-payments via the staged application of the discretionary $1 discount will help Australians struggling with the cost of healthcare and will restore universality to the PBS,' Pharmacy Guild President Trent Twomey said.

'Freezing indexation of co-payment means patients won't have to foot more of the overall cost for their medicines come 1 January each year,' he added.

'On behalf of our members, the Guild has a strong track record of fighting to bring down the cost of medicines—I'm pleased the Guild secured anti-inflationary relief for patients by phasing in the universal application of the $1 discount as part of our 8CPA negotiations.'


While the Pharmacy Guild framed this change as a win for consumers, many still wonder about its effect on their budgets.

The seemingly small $1 discount can add up over time, particularly for seniors who often have multiple prescriptions.

As of writing, Chemist Warehouse has not issued a statement regarding the government's decision.

It's essential to understand the implications of this policy change.

With the rising cost of living, every dollar saved is crucial, and the removal of the $1 discount could be a hard pill to swallow for many.
Key Takeaways

  • Chemist Warehouse can no longer offer $1 discounts on prescription medicine following the Albanese government's decision.
  • The decision came after the Pharmacy Guild's successful lobby to end the discount policy introduced in 2016.
  • The Guild claimed the end of the $1 discount policy will help reduce costs in the long run and restore uniform prescription prices across Australia.
  • The Pharmacy Guild welcomed the government's decision and suggested it will relieve Australians dealing with high healthcare costs amid inflation.
Have you relied on Chemist Warehouse's discounts in the past? Will this new policy affect your monthly expenses? We encourage you to share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below.
 
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It's only a $1and this will enable all the smaller, independent pharmacies to compete. The convenience of having a local pharmacy on our doorstep instead of having to travel to a Chemist Warehouse for just a scrip is far more important than saving a $1.
Costs about $10 in fuel to get there and back, so I only go there for bulk buying when HALF PRICE specials are on.
 
Both stores i use to go to were the same one on the Mornington Peninsula the other in latrobe valley neither had the personal touch. 5years for one store 3 years the other never once greeted by name or a smile
That is sad. Quite a few staff at my store know my name. I have been going there for a long time. They got to know me when I was a WorkCover patient. I have spoken with a few of their chemists and know one of them well. She is lovely.
 
Our local chemist does give the $1 discount and in the last two years we have reached the limit a couple of months before the end of the year and the staff have always advised me of this when collecting the scripts. Now this supposedly caring government seems to think we should pay more. He gives with one hand and takes more by the other. It is not a Chemist warehouse Just a local.
 
The Pharmacy Guild Of Australia should stick to pharma ham instead of hamming up economic theory. They are simply money-raking in their closed world of money-grabbing bar stewards.
 
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I was shocked when I got tablets and did not see scripts in the box. When I asked why girl dryly informed me that she made a decision to keep them in pharmacy on file. I told her that I did not ask for such an action of a nanny service. If I did not notice it I would not be able to use any other pharmacy store.

They think when your getting on a bit that your stupid and incapable and had you not noticed it they would have got away with it.All about getting the money from the scrips rather crafty.
 
I must be honest I've been expecting this, virtually as soon as he got in power I can only that every pensioner is in the same boat the cost of my prescriptions went up a dollar. Not much people say but six in the morning and eight at night at the moment, it won't be long under this government that we will be buying veggies by the piece instead of by weight?
 
It's only a $1and this will enable all the smaller, independent pharmacies to compete. The convenience of having a local pharmacy on our doorstep instead of having to travel to a Chemist Warehouse for just a scrip is far more important than saving a $1.
ALL pharmacies could apply the $1 discount regardless of size. I live in a small country town & my chemist has applied this discount since its inception.

This article is very misleading as it hints that only Chemist Warehouse had the authority to apply the discount & it very clearly WRONG. Please keep your facts straigrht if you want us to believe what you are feeding us.
 
My local pharmacy is worth the extra dollar. However not having a Chemist Warehouse near us we have to travel 40 ks each way to get our non prescription medication. We save over $60 every two months They used to deliver free if purchased more than $99 Not anymore! Yes this is still important medication for macular degeneration so it’s not a preference. Cannot see how someone can stop a business giving those in need of medication a small boost. It should be their decision and only affects their bottom line. I hope everyone remembers this discrimination at voting time.
 
It's only a $1and this will enable all the smaller, independent pharmacies to compete. The convenience of having a local pharmacy on our doorstep instead of having to travel to a Chemist Warehouse for just a scrip is far more important than saving a $1.
I am glad you think it is only a dollar. For me, that dollar counts. You would rather the chemist gets to pay their bills, than those of us who are struggling to pay ours. You are doing better than some of us.
 
It's part of the monopoly plan, we must fall into like like Sheep, chemists are crooks just like woollies and Coles
If you think pharmacists are crooks, try the medical doctors profession. That is one remarkable closed shop operation starting with university entrance to medical schools.
 
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They don't get an advantage. A local small chemist (only 2 pharmacists) also gives the discount. Any chemist can do it if they want to. It is up to them. That article is very biased and aims to make people dislike Chemist Warehouse.
Chemist Warehouse is developing as yet another future corporate monopoly.
 
I am glad you think it is only a dollar. For me, that dollar counts. You would rather the chemist gets to pay their bills, than those of us who are struggling to pay ours. You are doing better than some of us.
Totally agree with you
It's not just $1,what a stupid statement. This will cost my family $20/month.
All chemists were able to offer this discount and I'm sure most of them are a damn sight better off than most pensioners.
 
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Chemist Warehouse is developing as yet another future corporate monopoly.
Yes. Taken over by (or merged with) Sigma. Aim? To control the market. Just like the banks etc. And look where that's getting us. Once they've knocked put the competition there will be no more "cheapies".

And my answer to those who pay more than $1 per scrip or believe the small pharmacies can reduce by $1 it's like David and Goliath. How can a small local shop compete with Chemist Warehouse/Sigma? It's like saying your corner gricer could sell at the same price as Coles ir Woolies if they want.
 
I thought the decision was to freeze the price of prescriptions for 5 years???
It does freeze them for 5 years ... it is just the Pharmacy Guild decided to lobby for an additional, and optional, one-dollar discount to be stopped. The Guild got their knickers in a knot when the 60-day scripts came in as people can now get a lot of their medications dispensed for two months instead of one at the same price as a single month.
 
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I must be honest I've been expecting this, virtually as soon as he got in power I can only that every pensioner is in the same boat the cost of my prescriptions went up a dollar. Not much people say but six in the morning and eight at night at the moment, it won't be long under this government that we will be buying veggies by the piece instead of by weight?
Stop blaming the government for a Pharmacy Guild campaign. Are you forgetting it was this government that brought in the 60-day scripts where you get 2 months' supply for the price of one? As long as your doctor writes a 60-day script and the drug is on the very long and comprehensive list you save 50% of your script price annually.
 
What was stopping the other
Chemists from doing the same.
This wasn't offered exclusively to Chemist Warehouse, it was supposed to help keep the prices down, other Chemist just didn't do it.
Chemist Warehouse didn't have an advantage.
I have always had good service from Chemist Warehouse,they have always had our meds available.
Thanks Pharmacy Guild NOT, you just added $20/month to our families cost of living.
But they said it will keep prices down!!!! Crazy world, up is down and black is white.
 

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