Starting May 1, 2025, Australian women will have greater access to essential health treatments, thanks to the Albanese government’s recent initiative to add multiple medications to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). This move comes as part of a broader $573 million funding package aimed at improving women’s health care across the nation.
Among the significant additions is Slinda, drospirenone, the first progesterone-only contraceptive pill to be subsidized under the PBS. Currently, around 80,000 women pay $80 for a three-month supply of Slinda. Under the new PBS listing, the cost will drop to just $31.60 for a four-month supply, with concession card holders paying just $7.70. Dr. Terri Foran, a sexual health physician, noted the importance of progestogen-only pills for women at risk of blood clots or those who experience issues with estrogen-based contraceptives, providing them with a safer and more suitable option.
Another pivotal medication now included is Ryeqo (estradiol and norethisterone), which addresses moderate to severe endometriosis pain, a condition affecting one in seven women. Previously priced at up to $2,700 annually, Ryeqo will now be available for only $7.70 for concession holders and $31.60 for others. Nicolette Ellis, President of Chronic Pain Australia, explained that this medication helps regulate estrogen and progesterone levels, which play a key role in managing endometriosis. It is estimated that around 8,500 women will benefit from this new subsidy.
Fertility treatments are also seeing much-needed financial relief. Pergoveris (follitropin alfa with lutropin alfa), previously available only for late-stage IVF cycles, will be subsidized for earlier use starting April 1, 2025. The number of prescriptions covered will also increase from two to four per IVF treatment, greatly reducing the financial burden. Currently, the cost for four unsubsidized Pergoveris pens can exceed $3,500, but under the PBS, patients will pay just $32 for their first treatment.
Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mark Butler, expressed his commitment to improving access to essential women’s health care. “Women across Australia have shared their stories with me, expressing frustration at the lack of support for various health issues,” he said. These changes, he believes, will help address those concerns and make a tangible difference in the lives of women.
The new PBS listings are set to benefit countless women, but they also bring logistical challenges. General Practitioners (GPs) will need to issue updated prescriptions for these newly subsidized medications starting in May 2025, and health professionals are already preparing for the changes. Dr. Nisha Khot, from the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, emphasized the importance of ensuring that financial barriers no longer limit access to the most effective treatments for women.
For many women, such as Hoda Hannaway, who has been dealing with endometriosis for years, these subsidies provide a long-awaited opportunity for proper care. Hoda shared her struggle with the condition, noting that the stigma and high costs made it difficult for her to explore treatment options until recently. “It’s been horrendous,” she admitted, but now, with these new subsidies, she feels hopeful about her treatment options.
Dr. Petra Wale, President of the Fertility Society of Australia and New Zealand, also expressed optimism about the new changes. She believes the subsidies will help break down barriers for women seeking fertility treatments, particularly in light of Australia’s declining fertility rate. With the cost of assisted reproduction remaining high, the government’s intervention is seen as an important step in addressing the fertility crisis in the country.
However, not everyone is pleased with the pace of the changes. Critics, including Deputy Opposition Leader Sussan Ley, have voiced concerns over delays in implementing the PBS recommendations. Despite this, Mark Butler defended the timeline, explaining that it was necessary to negotiate with the pharmaceutical companies involved before finalizing the listings.
As the date for the new PBS regulations draws nearer, there is a palpable sense of anticipation and hope among women and healthcare providers alike. These reforms signal not just financial relief, but a recognition of women’s health needs and the challenges they face. For many, the inclusion of these medications on the PBS represents a long-overdue validation of their health concerns and a positive step toward a more inclusive and supportive healthcare system.
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