From 1 September 2023, some patients living with ongoing health conditions who are stable on their current medicine will be able to receive twice the medication for the cost of a single prescription.
Once fully implemented, this will apply to more than 300 medicines listed on the PBS.
These changes will initially apply to 92 PBS medicines when the first stage is implemented from 1 September 2023 with the rest rolled out in two more stages over a 12‑month period.
The new PBS codes will be available to pharmacies via the dispense updates. A software update is not required.
Doctors will make the clinical decision about whether 60‑day prescriptions are appropriate for their patients with ongoing health conditions who are on a stable medication regimen.
The full list of PBS medicines deemed as safe and suitable for 60‑day prescriptions was recommended by the independent Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC).
Resources for pharmacies
Medications eligible for 60 Day Dispensing
Click here to view the list Medications Eligible for 60 Day Dispensing.
Australian Government Pharmacy Kit
The kit provides information from the Department of Health and Aged Care to pharmacists about changes to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) medicines with 60‑day prescriptions.
It includes information specifically for pharmacies on:
- the background to the changes
- reinvesting funds into pharmacy services
- managing medicine supply shortages
- frequently asked questions.