We know how expensive and complicated modern healthcare can be. Whether you're part of the aged care sector or not, it can easily become a financial and emotional drain if you don't stay on top of things.

This is especially true in the news recently after the community pharmacy peak body claimed one group of Australians could be hit with soaring costs for medicines.

The government has hit back after the community pharmacy sector claimed one group of Australians could be hit with soaring costs for medicines. Credit: Shutterstock.

The government is defending its controversial new dispensing policy, which allows Aussies to fill two-month prescriptions for the price of one. Earlier, the Pharmacy Guild of Australia warned that seniors would foot an $806 annual bill for weekly prescriptions over the move.

Health Minister Mark Butler condemned the community pharmacy peak body over its latest claim, calling it a ‘campaign’ designed to 'scare’ aged care residents relying on subsidised medication.

He said, 'The pharmacy lobby and the Liberal Party have tried to scare vulnerable aged care residents that they would have to pay extra because of this measure to save six million patients from having to get their prescription filled every single month…'

'This is a cynical scare campaign from the pharmacy lobby that should be rejected,' he said.

'We are determined to deliver this cheaper medicines reform for six million patients, and we're determined, also, to protect aged care residents in the same process.'

Currently, community pharmacies are distributing medicines to 188,000 elderly Australians living in residential aged-care facilities each week at zero cost through subsidies for pharmacy dispensing fees.

Anthony Tassone, the guild's Vice President, earlier said, 'The true costs of that service have been absorbed through the pharmacies and funded through dispensing remuneration to make sure that patients get the right medicine, in the right dose, at the right time.'

'But that's at risk if we don't get cheaper medicines the right way,' he added.

The guild strongly opposed the reform, arguing that it would cut funding for around 6000 community pharmacies by half, affecting their ability to dispense medicine.

However, the Office of Impact Analysis presents a different perspective. Their modelling suggests that, on average, the funding reduction for dispensing Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) medication would be around 18 per cent after four years.

Despite the organisation's claims, the government estimated that 6 million Australians would benefit from the policy, which halved the price of more than 320 medicines covered by the PBS from September.

Minister Butler also shared during a press conference that he plans to advance discussions about the Eighth Community Pharmacy Agreement by a year.

This agreement, intended to be established between the government and the community pharmacy sector before mid-2024, aims to define payment arrangements for pharmacies regarding dispensing medications and offering additional services such as organising dose administration aids and conducting medication reviews.

Despite their ongoing efforts to prevent the implementation of new dispensation regulations, the guild is anticipated to be among the parties endorsing this new agreement.

Key Takeaways

• The Pharmacy Guild of Australia has claimed that aged-care residents will face an $806 annual bill for weekly prescriptions due to Labor's new 60-day dispensing rules.
• Health Minister Mark Butler has condemned the community pharmacy peak body over this claim, calling it a 'cynical scare campaign'.
• While the guild states the changes will halve their funding, an impact analysis report estimates only an average reduction of 18% in the dispensing of Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) medication over four years.
• Mr Butler is willing to start negotiations early on the Eighth Community Pharmacy Agreement, due 2024, which will formalise compensation to pharmacies for dispensing medication and running other services.

Members, what are your thoughts on this? We'd love to hear from you, so feel free to comment in the section below!

 

[Geoff8]

Seriously what the hell is the matter with people, my advice is don’t listen to the stupidity of the media who like to do nothing more than scare us with wrong information. If, like me am at the moment on the safety net for medications and being a pensioner paying $7.30 for all medications am sure my chemist will only give out what I require when I want them.
If you want 2 months supply do it otherwise just continue what you are doing.

 

[Judi-Ann]

We know how expensive and complicated modern healthcare can be. Whether you're part of the aged care sector or not, it can easily become a financial and emotional drain if you don't stay on top of things.

This is especially true in the news recently after the community pharmacy peak body claimed one group of Australians could be hit with soaring costs for medicines.

View attachment 26928

The government has hit back after the community pharmacy sector claimed one group of Australians could be hit with soaring costs for medicines. Credit: Shutterstock.

The government is defending its controversial new dispensing policy, which allows Aussies to fill two-month prescriptions for the price of one. Earlier, the Pharmacy Guild of Australia warned that seniors would foot an $806 annual bill for weekly prescriptions over the move.

Health Minister Mark Butler condemned the community pharmacy peak body over its latest claim, calling it a ‘campaign’ designed to 'scare’ aged care residents relying on subsidised medication.

He said, 'The pharmacy lobby and the Liberal Party have tried to scare vulnerable aged care residents that they would have to pay extra because of this measure to save six million patients from having to get their prescription filled every single month…'

'This is a cynical scare campaign from the pharmacy lobby that should be rejected,' he said.

'We are determined to deliver this cheaper medicines reform for six million patients, and we're determined, also, to protect aged care residents in the same process.'

Currently, community pharmacies are distributing medicines to 188,000 elderly Australians living in residential aged-care facilities each week at zero cost through subsidies for pharmacy dispensing fees.

Anthony Tassone, the guild's Vice President, earlier said, 'The true costs of that service have been absorbed through the pharmacies and funded through dispensing remuneration to make sure that patients get the right medicine, in the right dose, at the right time.'

'But that's at risk if we don't get cheaper medicines the right way,' he added.

The guild strongly opposed the reform, arguing that it would cut funding for around 6000 community pharmacies by half, affecting their ability to dispense medicine.

However, the Office of Impact Analysis presents a different perspective. Their modelling suggests that, on average, the funding reduction for dispensing Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) medication would be around 18 per cent after four years.

Despite the organisation's claims, the government estimated that 6 million Australians would benefit from the policy, which halved the price of more than 320 medicines covered by the PBS from September.

Minister Butler also shared during a press conference that he plans to advance discussions about the Eighth Community Pharmacy Agreement by a year.

This agreement, intended to be established between the government and the community pharmacy sector before mid-2024, aims to define payment arrangements for pharmacies regarding dispensing medications and offering additional services such as organising dose administration aids and conducting medication reviews.

Despite their ongoing efforts to prevent the implementation of new dispensation regulations, the guild is anticipated to be among the parties endorsing this new agreement.

Key Takeaways

• The Pharmacy Guild of Australia has claimed that aged-care residents will face an $806 annual bill for weekly prescriptions due to Labor's new 60-day dispensing rules.
• Health Minister Mark Butler has condemned the community pharmacy peak body over this claim, calling it a 'cynical scare campaign'.
• While the guild states the changes will halve their funding, an impact analysis report estimates only an average reduction of 18% in the dispensing of Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) medication over four years.
• Mr Butler is willing to start negotiations early on the Eighth Community Pharmacy Agreement, due 2024, which will formalise compensation to pharmacies for dispensing medication and running other services.

Members, what are your thoughts on this? We'd love to hear from you, so feel free to comment in the section below!

If the government is going to compensate the pharmacies as stated at the end of the article what are they complaining about. Unfortunately the current greed attitude that is ever present in the World today is continuing in pharmacies now.

 

[Luckyus]

We know how expensive and complicated modern healthcare can be. Whether you're part of the aged care sector or not, it can easily become a financial and emotional drain if you don't stay on top of things.

This is especially true in the news recently after the community pharmacy peak body claimed one group of Australians could be hit with soaring costs for medicines.

View attachment 26928

The government has hit back after the community pharmacy sector claimed one group of Australians could be hit with soaring costs for medicines. Credit: Shutterstock.

The government is defending its controversial new dispensing policy, which allows Aussies to fill two-month prescriptions for the price of one. Earlier, the Pharmacy Guild of Australia warned that seniors would foot an $806 annual bill for weekly prescriptions over the move.

Health Minister Mark Butler condemned the community pharmacy peak body over its latest claim, calling it a ‘campaign’ designed to 'scare’ aged care residents relying on subsidised medication.

He said, 'The pharmacy lobby and the Liberal Party have tried to scare vulnerable aged care residents that they would have to pay extra because of this measure to save six million patients from having to get their prescription filled every single month…'

'This is a cynical scare campaign from the pharmacy lobby that should be rejected,' he said.

'We are determined to deliver this cheaper medicines reform for six million patients, and we're determined, also, to protect aged care residents in the same process.'

Currently, community pharmacies are distributing medicines to 188,000 elderly Australians living in residential aged-care facilities each week at zero cost through subsidies for pharmacy dispensing fees.

Anthony Tassone, the guild's Vice President, earlier said, 'The true costs of that service have been absorbed through the pharmacies and funded through dispensing remuneration to make sure that patients get the right medicine, in the right dose, at the right time.'

'But that's at risk if we don't get cheaper medicines the right way,' he added.

The guild strongly opposed the reform, arguing that it would cut funding for around 6000 community pharmacies by half, affecting their ability to dispense medicine.

However, the Office of Impact Analysis presents a different perspective. Their modelling suggests that, on average, the funding reduction for dispensing Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) medication would be around 18 per cent after four years.

Despite the organisation's claims, the government estimated that 6 million Australians would benefit from the policy, which halved the price of more than 320 medicines covered by the PBS from September.

Minister Butler also shared during a press conference that he plans to advance discussions about the Eighth Community Pharmacy Agreement by a year.

This agreement, intended to be established between the government and the community pharmacy sector before mid-2024, aims to define payment arrangements for pharmacies regarding dispensing medications and offering additional services such as organising dose administration aids and conducting medication reviews.

Despite their ongoing efforts to prevent the implementation of new dispensation regulations, the guild is anticipated to be among the parties endorsing this new agreement.

Key Takeaways

• The Pharmacy Guild of Australia has claimed that aged-care residents will face an $806 annual bill for weekly prescriptions due to Labor's new 60-day dispensing rules.
• Health Minister Mark Butler has condemned the community pharmacy peak body over this claim, calling it a 'cynical scare campaign'.
• While the guild states the changes will halve their funding, an impact analysis report estimates only an average reduction of 18% in the dispensing of Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) medication over four years.
• Mr Butler is willing to start negotiations early on the Eighth Community Pharmacy Agreement, due 2024, which will formalise compensation to pharmacies for dispensing medication and running other services.

Members, what are your thoughts on this? We'd love to hear from you, so feel free to comment in the section below!

I rely on my GP to prescribe medications, not some pill pusher.

 

[Free.lander]

We know how expensive and complicated modern healthcare can be. Whether you're part of the aged care sector or not, it can easily become a financial and emotional drain if you don't stay on top of things.

This is especially true in the news recently after the community pharmacy peak body claimed one group of Australians could be hit with soaring costs for medicines.

View attachment 26928

The government has hit back after the community pharmacy sector claimed one group of Australians could be hit with soaring costs for medicines. Credit: Shutterstock.

The government is defending its controversial new dispensing policy, which allows Aussies to fill two-month prescriptions for the price of one. Earlier, the Pharmacy Guild of Australia warned that seniors would foot an $806 annual bill for weekly prescriptions over the move.

Health Minister Mark Butler condemned the community pharmacy peak body over its latest claim, calling it a ‘campaign’ designed to 'scare’ aged care residents relying on subsidised medication.

He said, 'The pharmacy lobby and the Liberal Party have tried to scare vulnerable aged care residents that they would have to pay extra because of this measure to save six million patients from having to get their prescription filled every single month…'

'This is a cynical scare campaign from the pharmacy lobby that should be rejected,' he said.

'We are determined to deliver this cheaper medicines reform for six million patients, and we're determined, also, to protect aged care residents in the same process.'

Currently, community pharmacies are distributing medicines to 188,000 elderly Australians living in residential aged-care facilities each week at zero cost through subsidies for pharmacy dispensing fees.

Anthony Tassone, the guild's Vice President, earlier said, 'The true costs of that service have been absorbed through the pharmacies and funded through dispensing remuneration to make sure that patients get the right medicine, in the right dose, at the right time.'

'But that's at risk if we don't get cheaper medicines the right way,' he added.

The guild strongly opposed the reform, arguing that it would cut funding for around 6000 community pharmacies by half, affecting their ability to dispense medicine.

However, the Office of Impact Analysis presents a different perspective. Their modelling suggests that, on average, the funding reduction for dispensing Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) medication would be around 18 per cent after four years.

Despite the organisation's claims, the government estimated that 6 million Australians would benefit from the policy, which halved the price of more than 320 medicines covered by the PBS from September.

Minister Butler also shared during a press conference that he plans to advance discussions about the Eighth Community Pharmacy Agreement by a year.

This agreement, intended to be established between the government and the community pharmacy sector before mid-2024, aims to define payment arrangements for pharmacies regarding dispensing medications and offering additional services such as organising dose administration aids and conducting medication reviews.

Despite their ongoing efforts to prevent the implementation of new dispensation regulations, the guild is anticipated to be among the parties endorsing this new agreement.

Key Takeaways

• The Pharmacy Guild of Australia has claimed that aged-care residents will face an $806 annual bill for weekly prescriptions due to Labor's new 60-day dispensing rules.
• Health Minister Mark Butler has condemned the community pharmacy peak body over this claim, calling it a 'cynical scare campaign'.
• While the guild states the changes will halve their funding, an impact analysis report estimates only an average reduction of 18% in the dispensing of Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) medication over four years.
• Mr Butler is willing to start negotiations early on the Eighth Community Pharmacy Agreement, due 2024, which will formalise compensation to pharmacies for dispensing medication and running other services.

Members, what are your thoughts on this? We'd love to hear from you, so feel free to comment in the section below!

IT is a scare campaign alright, The chemist gets the same profit from the medications he sells regardless of one packet a month or 10 packets a months . The only possible loss would be is that they get money for every prescription so getting double on the one prescription means missing out on a payment.
The drug makers make the same amount and besides for many medications there is a expiry date so it may not be possible to get double doses.
IT is all scare to get back control over the ALP

 

[Leenie]

How do u know your medications won’t be changed , u could be paying for something you don’t need, health needs can change quickly.

 

[Klaus A]

That's only 10 prescription a month and not a scare campaign. After you hit the limit you receive a safety net card and don't have to pay any more.

 

[donandviv77]

We know how expensive and complicated modern healthcare can be. Whether you're part of the aged care sector or not, it can easily become a financial and emotional drain if you don't stay on top of things.

This is especially true in the news recently after the community pharmacy peak body claimed one group of Australians could be hit with soaring costs for medicines.

View attachment 26928

The government has hit back after the community pharmacy sector claimed one group of Australians could be hit with soaring costs for medicines. Credit: Shutterstock.

The government is defending its controversial new dispensing policy, which allows Aussies to fill two-month prescriptions for the price of one. Earlier, the Pharmacy Guild of Australia warned that seniors would foot an $806 annual bill for weekly prescriptions over the move.

Health Minister Mark Butler condemned the community pharmacy peak body over its latest claim, calling it a ‘campaign’ designed to 'scare’ aged care residents relying on subsidised medication.

He said, 'The pharmacy lobby and the Liberal Party have tried to scare vulnerable aged care residents that they would have to pay extra because of this measure to save six million patients from having to get their prescription filled every single month…'

'This is a cynical scare campaign from the pharmacy lobby that should be rejected,' he said.

'We are determined to deliver this cheaper medicines reform for six million patients, and we're determined, also, to protect aged care residents in the same process.'

Currently, community pharmacies are distributing medicines to 188,000 elderly Australians living in residential aged-care facilities each week at zero cost through subsidies for pharmacy dispensing fees.

Anthony Tassone, the guild's Vice President, earlier said, 'The true costs of that service have been absorbed through the pharmacies and funded through dispensing remuneration to make sure that patients get the right medicine, in the right dose, at the right time.'

'But that's at risk if we don't get cheaper medicines the right way,' he added.

The guild strongly opposed the reform, arguing that it would cut funding for around 6000 community pharmacies by half, affecting their ability to dispense medicine.

However, the Office of Impact Analysis presents a different perspective. Their modelling suggests that, on average, the funding reduction for dispensing Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) medication would be around 18 per cent after four years.

Despite the organisation's claims, the government estimated that 6 million Australians would benefit from the policy, which halved the price of more than 320 medicines covered by the PBS from September.

Minister Butler also shared during a press conference that he plans to advance discussions about the Eighth Community Pharmacy Agreement by a year.

This agreement, intended to be established between the government and the community pharmacy sector before mid-2024, aims to define payment arrangements for pharmacies regarding dispensing medications and offering additional services such as organising dose administration aids and conducting medication reviews.

Despite their ongoing efforts to prevent the implementation of new dispensation regulations, the guild is anticipated to be among the parties endorsing this new agreement.

Key Takeaways

• The Pharmacy Guild of Australia has claimed that aged-care residents will face an $806 annual bill for weekly prescriptions due to Labor's new 60-day dispensing rules.
• Health Minister Mark Butler has condemned the community pharmacy peak body over this claim, calling it a 'cynical scare campaign'.
• While the guild states the changes will halve their funding, an impact analysis report estimates only an average reduction of 18% in the dispensing of Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) medication over four years.
• Mr Butler is willing to start negotiations early on the Eighth Community Pharmacy Agreement, due 2024, which will formalise compensation to pharmacies for dispensing medication and running other services.

Members, what are your thoughts on this? We'd love to hear from you, so feel free to comment in the section below!

Just maybe the Pharmacy groups can explain why seniors medicine costs will increase by about $16.00/week when the costs incurred by seniors are controlled at around $6.00 so surely having to purchase medicines for 2 months instead of 1 month should reduce medicine costs for all seniors?

 

[youngy650]

We know how expensive and complicated modern healthcare can be. Whether you're part of the aged care sector or not, it can easily become a financial and emotional drain if you don't stay on top of things.

This is especially true in the news recently after the community pharmacy peak body claimed one group of Australians could be hit with soaring costs for medicines.

View attachment 26928

The government has hit back after the community pharmacy sector claimed one group of Australians could be hit with soaring costs for medicines. Credit: Shutterstock.

The government is defending its controversial new dispensing policy, which allows Aussies to fill two-month prescriptions for the price of one. Earlier, the Pharmacy Guild of Australia warned that seniors would foot an $806 annual bill for weekly prescriptions over the move.

Health Minister Mark Butler condemned the community pharmacy peak body over its latest claim, calling it a ‘campaign’ designed to 'scare’ aged care residents relying on subsidised medication.

He said, 'The pharmacy lobby and the Liberal Party have tried to scare vulnerable aged care residents that they would have to pay extra because of this measure to save six million patients from having to get their prescription filled every single month…'

'This is a cynical scare campaign from the pharmacy lobby that should be rejected,' he said.

'We are determined to deliver this cheaper medicines reform for six million patients, and we're determined, also, to protect aged care residents in the same process.'

Currently, community pharmacies are distributing medicines to 188,000 elderly Australians living in residential aged-care facilities each week at zero cost through subsidies for pharmacy dispensing fees.

Anthony Tassone, the guild's Vice President, earlier said, 'The true costs of that service have been absorbed through the pharmacies and funded through dispensing remuneration to make sure that patients get the right medicine, in the right dose, at the right time.'

'But that's at risk if we don't get cheaper medicines the right way,' he added.

The guild strongly opposed the reform, arguing that it would cut funding for around 6000 community pharmacies by half, affecting their ability to dispense medicine.

However, the Office of Impact Analysis presents a different perspective. Their modelling suggests that, on average, the funding reduction for dispensing Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) medication would be around 18 per cent after four years.

Despite the organisation's claims, the government estimated that 6 million Australians would benefit from the policy, which halved the price of more than 320 medicines covered by the PBS from September.

Minister Butler also shared during a press conference that he plans to advance discussions about the Eighth Community Pharmacy Agreement by a year.

This agreement, intended to be established between the government and the community pharmacy sector before mid-2024, aims to define payment arrangements for pharmacies regarding dispensing medications and offering additional services such as organising dose administration aids and conducting medication reviews.

Despite their ongoing efforts to prevent the implementation of new dispensation regulations, the guild is anticipated to be among the parties endorsing this new agreement.

Key Takeaways

• The Pharmacy Guild of Australia has claimed that aged-care residents will face an $806 annual bill for weekly prescriptions due to Labor's new 60-day dispensing rules.
• Health Minister Mark Butler has condemned the community pharmacy peak body over this claim, calling it a 'cynical scare campaign'.
• While the guild states the changes will halve their funding, an impact analysis report estimates only an average reduction of 18% in the dispensing of Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) medication over four years.
• Mr Butler is willing to start negotiations early on the Eighth Community Pharmacy Agreement, due 2024, which will formalise compensation to pharmacies for dispensing medication and running other services.

Members, what are your thoughts on this? We'd love to hear from you, so feel free to comment in the section below!

Not the government

 

[GertyGT96]

We know how expensive and complicated modern healthcare can be. Whether you're part of the aged care sector or not, it can easily become a financial and emotional drain if you don't stay on top of things.

This is especially true in the news recently after the community pharmacy peak body claimed one group of Australians could be hit with soaring costs for medicines.

View attachment 26928

The government has hit back after the community pharmacy sector claimed one group of Australians could be hit with soaring costs for medicines. Credit: Shutterstock.

The government is defending its controversial new dispensing policy, which allows Aussies to fill two-month prescriptions for the price of one. Earlier, the Pharmacy Guild of Australia warned that seniors would foot an $806 annual bill for weekly prescriptions over the move.

Health Minister Mark Butler condemned the community pharmacy peak body over its latest claim, calling it a ‘campaign’ designed to 'scare’ aged care residents relying on subsidised medication.

He said, 'The pharmacy lobby and the Liberal Party have tried to scare vulnerable aged care residents that they would have to pay extra because of this measure to save six million patients from having to get their prescription filled every single month…'

'This is a cynical scare campaign from the pharmacy lobby that should be rejected,' he said.

'We are determined to deliver this cheaper medicines reform for six million patients, and we're determined, also, to protect aged care residents in the same process.'

Currently, community pharmacies are distributing medicines to 188,000 elderly Australians living in residential aged-care facilities each week at zero cost through subsidies for pharmacy dispensing fees.

Anthony Tassone, the guild's Vice President, earlier said, 'The true costs of that service have been absorbed through the pharmacies and funded through dispensing remuneration to make sure that patients get the right medicine, in the right dose, at the right time.'

'But that's at risk if we don't get cheaper medicines the right way,' he added.

The guild strongly opposed the reform, arguing that it would cut funding for around 6000 community pharmacies by half, affecting their ability to dispense medicine.

However, the Office of Impact Analysis presents a different perspective. Their modelling suggests that, on average, the funding reduction for dispensing Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) medication would be around 18 per cent after four years.

Despite the organisation's claims, the government estimated that 6 million Australians would benefit from the policy, which halved the price of more than 320 medicines covered by the PBS from September.

Minister Butler also shared during a press conference that he plans to advance discussions about the Eighth Community Pharmacy Agreement by a year.

This agreement, intended to be established between the government and the community pharmacy sector before mid-2024, aims to define payment arrangements for pharmacies regarding dispensing medications and offering additional services such as organising dose administration aids and conducting medication reviews.

Despite their ongoing efforts to prevent the implementation of new dispensation regulations, the guild is anticipated to be among the parties endorsing this new agreement.

Key Takeaways

• The Pharmacy Guild of Australia has claimed that aged-care residents will face an $806 annual bill for weekly prescriptions due to Labor's new 60-day dispensing rules.
• Health Minister Mark Butler has condemned the community pharmacy peak body over this claim, calling it a 'cynical scare campaign'.
• While the guild states the changes will halve their funding, an impact analysis report estimates only an average reduction of 18% in the dispensing of Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) medication over four years.
• Mr Butler is willing to start negotiations early on the Eighth Community Pharmacy Agreement, due 2024, which will formalise compensation to pharmacies for dispensing medication and running other services.

Members, what are your thoughts on this? We'd love to hear from you, so feel free to comment in the section below!

There is a Pharmaceutical Safety Net in Australia- my Mother (a pensioner) was in a nursing home for almost 12 years. She was invoiced each month by the pharmacy that provided her medication. Once the Safety Net limit was reached (in her case, August each year) further medication (except non-prescription treatments) were not charged.

 

[Leenie]

That's only 10 prescription a month and not a scare campaign. After you hit the limit you receive a safety net card and don't have to pay any more.

Unless you don’t get generic meds.

 

[StarTrekker]

My hubby and I reached the Safety net in February this year, now it will take a bit longer.
Two months worth of prescriptions is fine if your dosage doesn't change, but getting more than you need will be wasteful.

 

[brucebathols]

Those of us on the safety net it doesn't matter, the costs will be the same to the patient, but the pharmacist has a business to run, and if the pharmacy income is down say 50 scripts per day, that's over $1,500 per week less income, or a weeks rent, or one less staff member.
It is a double edged sword, the govt wins, the pharmacy loses. and so does the patient if the pharmacy is forced to close.

 

[Rob44]

I don't trust politicians. Neither the LNP nor the ALP nor any other overpaid politician gives a damn about the rundown of our public hospitals so why should I trust them about pharmacy charges? The LNP Premeier of Tasmania is about to give himself a rise of $161000 per yer year, which he doesn't need, and also a hike in travel allowance, petrol perks etc. and such types of pay rises etc are being given to all other Tasmanian Parliament politicians. Our Royal Hobart Hospital sees ramping of ambulances quite frequently and the Emergency Department staff are overloaded with work. Our Ambo staff do a brilliant job and there are too few of them.

A junior intern doctor, of the sort that staff Emergency Departments, get paid around $80 000 per year for 70-80 hour working weeks and who carry massive HECs debts at around 7.5% interest to have got their Degree in Medicine (these days it commonly has to a post-graduate degree which means 8 years at university, unpaid). So our Tasmanian pollies are each stealing a couple of junior doctors from our public hospital in Hobart. Or two or three Emergency nurses. Australian politicians? Scum.

 

[Hindie]

One point to remember is that if you can get 2 months medication in one go the Government will probably save more in the long run as not many people will be able to reach the safety net and get free medication. The Government wouldn't be doing this for nothing

 

[StarTrekker]

I don't trust politicians. Neither the LNP nor the ALP nor any other overpaid politician gives a damn about the rundown of our public hospitals so why should I trust them about pharmacy charges? The LNP Premeier of Tasmania is about to give himself a rise of $161000 per yer year, which he doesn't need, and also a hike in travel allowance, petrol perks etc. and such types of pay rises etc are being given to all other Tasmanian Parliament politicians. Our Royal Hobart Hospital sees ramping of ambulances quite frequently and the Emergency Department staff are overloaded with work. Our Ambo staff do a brilliant job and there are too few of them.

A junior intern doctor, of the sort that staff Emergency Departments, get paid around $80 000 per year for 70-80 hour working weeks and who carry massive HECs debts at around 7.5% interest to have got their Degree in Medicine (these days it commonly has to a post-graduate degree which means 8 years at university, unpaid). So our Tasmanian pollies are each stealing a couple of junior doctors from our public hospital in Hobart. Or two or three Emergency nurses. Australian politicians? Scum.

With that sort of pay rise they could get some extra beds in emergency and wards

 

[DrivingGirl]

My advice? Follow the Money!!

 

[Janice McKay]

We know how expensive and complicated modern healthcare can be. Whether you're part of the aged care sector or not, it can easily become a financial and emotional drain if you don't stay on top of things.

This is especially true in the news recently after the community pharmacy peak body claimed one group of Australians could be hit with soaring costs for medicines.

View attachment 26928

The government has hit back after the community pharmacy sector claimed one group of Australians could be hit with soaring costs for medicines. Credit: Shutterstock.

The government is defending its controversial new dispensing policy, which allows Aussies to fill two-month prescriptions for the price of one. Earlier, the Pharmacy Guild of Australia warned that seniors would foot an $806 annual bill for weekly prescriptions over the move.

Health Minister Mark Butler condemned the community pharmacy peak body over its latest claim, calling it a ‘campaign’ designed to 'scare’ aged care residents relying on subsidised medication.

He said, 'The pharmacy lobby and the Liberal Party have tried to scare vulnerable aged care residents that they would have to pay extra because of this measure to save six million patients from having to get their prescription filled every single month…'

'This is a cynical scare campaign from the pharmacy lobby that should be rejected,' he said.

'We are determined to deliver this cheaper medicines reform for six million patients, and we're determined, also, to protect aged care residents in the same process.'

Currently, community pharmacies are distributing medicines to 188,000 elderly Australians living in residential aged-care facilities each week at zero cost through subsidies for pharmacy dispensing fees.

Anthony Tassone, the guild's Vice President, earlier said, 'The true costs of that service have been absorbed through the pharmacies and funded through dispensing remuneration to make sure that patients get the right medicine, in the right dose, at the right time.'

'But that's at risk if we don't get cheaper medicines the right way,' he added.

The guild strongly opposed the reform, arguing that it would cut funding for around 6000 community pharmacies by half, affecting their ability to dispense medicine.

However, the Office of Impact Analysis presents a different perspective. Their modelling suggests that, on average, the funding reduction for dispensing Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) medication would be around 18 per cent after four years.

Despite the organisation's claims, the government estimated that 6 million Australians would benefit from the policy, which halved the price of more than 320 medicines covered by the PBS from September.

Minister Butler also shared during a press conference that he plans to advance discussions about the Eighth Community Pharmacy Agreement by a year.

This agreement, intended to be established between the government and the community pharmacy sector before mid-2024, aims to define payment arrangements for pharmacies regarding dispensing medications and offering additional services such as organising dose administration aids and conducting medication reviews.

Despite their ongoing efforts to prevent the implementation of new dispensation regulations, the guild is anticipated to be among the parties endorsing this new agreement.

Key Takeaways

• The Pharmacy Guild of Australia has claimed that aged-care residents will face an $806 annual bill for weekly prescriptions due to Labor's new 60-day dispensing rules.
• Health Minister Mark Butler has condemned the community pharmacy peak body over this claim, calling it a 'cynical scare campaign'.
• While the guild states the changes will halve their funding, an impact analysis report estimates only an average reduction of 18% in the dispensing of Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) medication over four years.
• Mr Butler is willing to start negotiations early on the Eighth Community Pharmacy Agreement, due 2024, which will formalise compensation to pharmacies for dispensing medication and running other services.

Members, what are your thoughts on this? We'd love to hear from you, so feel free to comment in the section below!

I can tell you by experience, since Labor has been in a medication I need to take monthly and being 120 tablets per month, they have now told the Doctor that I can only get 60 tablets per fortnight, and pay for the other 60 tablets even though I have reached the safety net I cannot get the extra tablets without paying for them. As we all know, you can only fill a script every 3 weeks. A cunning move by them. So Yes, I believe this is going to happen for age pensioners as I am one now, although I am not in a nursing home.

 

[StarTrekker]

I can tell you by experience, since Labor has been in a medication I need to take monthly and being 120 tablets per month, they have now told the Doctor that I can only get 60 tablets per fortnight, and pay for the other 60 tablets even though I have reached the safety net I cannot get the extra tablets without paying for them. As we all know, you can only fill a script every 3 weeks. A cunning move by them. So Yes, I believe this is going to happen for age pensioners as I am one now, although I am not in a nursing home.

My daughter had that happen to her, but hers were private scripts. One pack is 20 tablets and she takes 1 per day. Instead of 21 days, it is now 28 days. She is without medication for 8 days instead of just one.

 

[Catherines]

Just my thoughts although I haven't looked into this thoroughly - I feel many of the comments here are way off.

It is my belief that you still have to pay for e ach script i.e 1 script = 1 month's supply = $7.30 (pensioner cost), 2 scripts at one time = 2 month's supply = $14.60. But you still have to pay for each script whether it is dispensed as one or two scripts at the same time. For a pensioner that is $7.30 FOR EACH SCRIPT.

You can also opt out of the 2 scripts at one time and just take your one script a month, go back next month for the next script. No one is forcing you to get two scripts at a time. You still reach your Safety Net after paying out the same amount of money.

Some people on multiple 'prescription only' medicines will not be able to afford getting two month's supply in one hit. Of course, if you are taking many other multivitamins (not covered by the PBS) then your expense each month will be much higher and your total bill will be bigger. I am on 7 prescription medicines, not all finish at the same time in a month (some two a day and others only 1 a day) - as a result we reached our safety net (husband and I) in May.