6.3.1 The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)

The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) is...

• A government scheme to get money from people.

• Free medication for all Australians, regardless of culture and location

• Australia's universal healthcare scheme available to all Australian citizens

• The Australian government's scheme to provide essential and lifesaving medication to those who need them, regardless of their ability to pay

The patient co-payment for PBS-subsidised medication as of the 1 January 2019 is...

• $30.00

• $6.50

• $40.30

• $21.00

What is the role of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC)?

• They review medications regularly throughout the year and advise which medications should be subsidised under the PBS Schedule

• They inform the government of how much is being spent on prescription medications each year

• They help pharmaceutical companies create essential, life-saving prescription medication

• They assist the government in paying for the medication

What is the purpose the PBS Safety Net?

• It helps to catch people who are ill or unwell

• It prevents the government from overspending on prescription medications

• It helps individuals and families to understand which medications are subsidised under the PBS

• It protects individuals and families from large medication expenses throughout the year

The number 1 prescribed medicine subsidised under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme is:

• Paracetamol to manage pain levels

• Atorvastatin to manage cholesterol levels

• Amoxicillin, an antibiotic to treat bacterial infections

• Perindopril to manage blood pressure levels