GET EVEN MORE VALUE AT THE PHARMACY!
Make big savings without compromising on your health
TRACK YOUR SPENDING
If you buy a lot of medicine, the PBS safety net can offer serious savings on PBS subscriptions. The threshold is $262.80 for concession card holders (after this medicines are free for the rest of the year). For general patients the threshold is $1563.50 (after which medicines will cost you $7.30). Ask your pharmacist, call the PBS information line on 1800 020 613 or visit servicesaustralia.gov.au to learn more. THRIFTY TIP By combining your family’s PBS accounts you may be able to reach the threshold sooner.
ASK YOUR DOCTOR
Expensive medicines aren’t always better. Choice recommends asking your doctor or pharmacist if there’s a more affordable alternative that offers the same benefits. You can also ask your doctor to review your medications to ensure you’re not taking anything you no longer need. THRIFTY TIP For certain conditions, your doctor may be able to offer combination medicines, which combine multiple drugs in one tablet.
CONSIDER TELEHEALTH
Digital healthcare providers offer consultations entirely by telehealth, and are often used by patients for services such as prescription renewals. These services, such as Instantscripts and Medmate, are not there to replace regular GPS, but can give patients access to drugs, including antibiotics and contraceptives among others, when needed.
THRIFTY TIP Aussie online pharmacists sometimes offer good deals on prescriptions that you don’t need in a hurry. Choice warns against buying cheap medicine from overseas. It could be a scam to steal your credit card details, or you may be sent ineffective or harmful medication.