Sunbound

Just wanted to check a couple of things really.
Am i right in saying that we have to pay for prescriptions for children here in Oz ? Unless that is if you have a concession card of some sort. We havent been told we get one so i've just been paying for my sons scripts.
Also i know there is a standard charge per script (usually around $30) for the drugs on the medicare list but i've not been charged that ,always less ,is that because the drugs we were prescribed (antibiotics) were not on the list?
Just trying to make sure i understand the system !!
Thanks Sunbound

jayr

Hopefully someone else will come along with a more accurate answer but yes you do pay for children's scripts. It may be that theya re either at a lower rate for kids or that the drugs were cheaper.

There is a Medicare saftey net, which I think you have to register for, that results in reduced rates once you have spent over about $11000 on Medicare

swmbo63

http://www.pbs.gov.au/html/consumer/search


Hi use this site to help you find out the max you can be charged for meds.

The PBS sets out guidelines with either a set price for items or an upto price.so the chemist can charge what they like upto a max price if this is on the PBS.
My advice shop around as it can save you a lot.I use Chemist warehouse as they are consistently the cheapest for my meds saving over $100 a month.They have shops but also are online and so you can have your meds delivered for $5 I think .

Hope this helps

jad n rich

Price of script varies, recent ones we have had, $12.30 for adult antibiotics $44 for teenager (skin cream ). If its not on the list it can be any price!!

If you had a welfare card I think they are about $5 a script if on the list.

ABCDiamond

Too many zero's

Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) Safety Net

The general patient safety net threshold for 2009 is $1,264.90 (2008 was $1,141.80).

When patients and/or their families have spent that amount, they can apply for a Safety Net Concession Card and pay only $5.30 per prescription for the rest of that calendar year.



A standard PBS prescription cost from 1st Jan 2009 is $32.90 for general patients, Adults and Children.
This should be the Maximum figure you pay for a standard Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) prescription.
Sometimes the figure will be lower, depending on the actual item.
I had some anti-biotics in 2008 that cost me $6.90 on prescription.

There are some prescription sthat are not covered under the PBS scheme, and are therefore not subsidised at all, meaning that these can be quite expensive.


There is also a Medicare Safety Net, for Doctors bills.

ABCDiamond

Some prescriptions will be for Brand names, and these may be higher than the normal PBS rate.
The chemist normally asks if you are happy with a Generic Brand, which is the normal PBS costed one.

An example is one that I use, with the brand name costing $38.00, but the generic one being covered for $32.90

Be aware, that if you are asked if you want Generic, but decline and stay with the brand name, you 'may' pay a higher price.

It is always worth asking if a Generic is available, and if it is cheaper.

jayr

Ooops, I bet that worried them.

snowiey

this helps

andyp80

The Australia system means you pay for the real cost of your medicine up to $33 as long as it is PBS listed / aproved. Regardless of age unless you have a consession card etc.

I thinnk it comes as a bit of a shock as people in the UK have no idea whatsoever of the real cost of their medicines and haelthcare

Kim67

If your son has a medical condition that requires medication often, you can apply for a health care care card for just him. Phone or see Centrelink for the paperwork, then go see your GP and get them to fill it in for you.

Petals

i don't know how old your son is but if he is over 16 then he should have his own medicare card and as a student he can then have a health care card.

My friend is on a medication not on the PBS and it costs her $150.00 a month for it.

ABCDiamond

For most people, to get the health care card, there are various income tests etc.
http://www.centrelink.gov.au/interne..._cards_hcc.htm

sj oldfield

When our youngest son had his wisdom teeth taken out in hospital last year (at a cost of over $3500.00!!), I was given a perscription to collect for him at the hospital pharmacy...................that came to a total cost of $120.00!!

jad n rich

Weve had a $140 one too

Dental, were looking at between 4500 and 6000 :curse: to fix one tooth, there is a missing adult tooth, the baby tooth needs to come out and they say its an implant or braces. Then this week find out he needs a day surgery, which is another 2000 but I think private ins will pick up most of that. One child, one month $8000 thank you. And I hate the way the medical specialists look at you when the give you the fees:curse:, they always look at the floor or smirk, I told the dentist straight out, thats freaking extortion:curse: Wiped the smirk off a bit

PoppetUK

I am looking forward to the dental bills for my kids not!!!! Just found out that DD has an extra tooth. Took her to a proper child dentist because I got fed up at hearing she's just a bit crowded. One quick count and 30 seconds later I am asked has no one ever told you she has an extra tooth!!!!! Next step is an xray at around 6 years old and if adult set has an extra tooth as well it will need taking out apparently. I have to say the medical system and cost comes up on the cons of Australia.

We hit the safety threshold last year and now realise we need to factor in a good $1500+ for our medical bills in our cost of living spread sheet.