Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)
The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) gives all Australian residents and eligible overseas visitors access to prescription medicine in a way that is affordable, reliable and timely. Through the PBS, the Australian Government subsidises the cost of prescription medicine, making it more affordable for all Australians.
Medicare Australia administers the PBS which includes processing claims and paying benefits under the PBS and Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (RPBS).
To improve your knowledge of the PBS, you can access PBS education online—suitable for both new and experienced providers.
Fourth Community Pharmacy Agreement
Several initiatives under the Fourth Community Pharmacy Agreement have been introduced for approved pharmacists meeting the relevant criteria. Information and applications forms are now available.
Stoma Appliance Scheme
Information about this scheme can be found on the information sheet [PDF, 116Kb]
and on the Department of Health and Ageing website
.
Online claiming for PBS
Medicare Australia is now rolling out Online claiming for PBS to the wider pharmacy community.
Safety Net 20 Day rule
The new PBS Safety Net 20 day rule means that for certain specified PBS medicine a resupply within 20 days of a previous supply, of the same medicine, will fall outside Safety Net benefits. For that supply:
- the patient contribution will not count towards the PBS Safety Net threshold, or
- where the PBS Safety Net threshold has been reached, the usual patient contribution applies -not the reduced PBS Safety Net amount.
For further information about the PBS Safety Net 20 day rule please visit Department of Health and Ageing.
PBS Enquiries and Support
For all PBS enquiries and support call 132 290.
Dial option:
- for concession and Medicare entitlement enquiries
- for all claim payment, Safety Net, stationery and general enquiries
- for technical support for online claiming or information about online claiming.
When you choose one of these options, your call will be diverted to a Medicare Australia customer service operator with the relevant expertise to answer your enquiry. This will ensure your call is answered efficiently and effectively.
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Last updated: 19 February, 2009