Medicines

Medicines

Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (RPBS) and Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

You are probably all aware that as the holder of a DVA Gold card, you get your medications at the Concessional subsidised rate (currently $7.30) per script.

And as a concessional patient, your Safety Net is currently $262.80 in the calendar year. Remember also that the pharmaceutical needs of dependent members of your family go towards meeting the Safety Net. After reaching the Safety net, you will get most medications at no cost for the remainder of the year.

Important note! Not all prescribing doctors appreciate the differences in the schemes and that the RPBS provides for a greater range of items than what is on the PBS. They may also not know that even if an item is not on the RPBS, a required medication may be obtainable with Prior Approval by requesting an Authority script from DVA. They phone 1800 552 580 (a 24/7 service) and explain what is needed and why. The request is considered and a decision given within a few minutes.

A recent personal experience from a member.

I was prescribed medications that were not on the PBS. I asked about the RPBS. After the doctor requested an Authority script, I paid $14.60 for two scripts, saving me about $1000.00. Phew!

A couple of points:

If your doctor prescribes something not on the PBS, ask about the RPBS. If they do not know or are unsure, ask them to request an Authority script. Give them the number: 1800 552 580

Then there are those little sticky labels. Ask your chemist for a card to put them in. This becomes a record for showing when you reach the safety net. Thirty-six(36) scripts at $7.30.

If you get all your meds at one place, your chemist may tell you when you no longer need to pay.

Sometimes a chemist will tell you a prescribed item is available over the counter. Rarely is this under $7.30, but even if it is say, $5.00, take into account that it will not count towards the safety net, so it could be better to pay the $7.30. If it is a little over $7.30, the chemist is being lazy.

Unless it is urgent, check with your doctor.