Kimandmark

Hi everyone, my husband is on 28 tablets per day. We're trying to find out what the cost would be each month to purchase his medication, or if it's scrips from the doctor how much is each script & is it only 1 item on each script?
I've read about the PBS but unsure if my husbands medication falls into that category or if even eligible!
We're just trying to find out all the costs before we make the decision to apply for a spouse visa or not.
Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks

Pollyana

Every prescription varies in cost depending what its for, there isn't a "one price fits all", like the UK.
Then you also have to take into account whether your doctor bulk bills or whether you have to pay to see them each time your want a script. My last one for instance does not bulk bill, used to cost me around $40 a visit, and she would not issue a script for more than a week's pills, with one repeat. Costs a bomb compared to the NHS where I could get a repeat by just ringing the surgery.

Kimandmark

Thanks for the advise.

quoll

Each medication on the PBS has a capped price of about $39 per fill although many medications cost less than that of course - that would generally be a month's supply or whatever the course length. There is a safety threshold though of about $1500 so when you have spent that you go on to the lower contribution amount which is around $6 per fill. With 28 pills per day you are going to be paying quite a bit even if you get down to the concessional rate
Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) | Fees & Patient Contributions

If his medication is not on the PBS then you pay it all

Kimandmark

Thanks for this info. You mentioned its about $39 per fill? Is that per item on the script? or per script?
I checked all the prices for each of his medications and yes, its very expensive. But if its only $39 per script with lots of items on the script, over 12 months thats much less than the $1500.
Can you please clarify more as im still not getting it. Sorry and thanks for ur help.

spouse of scouse

Hi - it's per medication, so if there are 4 different medications on the prescription, you'll be charged for each one. Here's some further info about the pharmaceutical benefits scheme https://www.humanservices.gov.au/cus...pbs-safety-net

ps I've just noticed that quoll has also given you a link, but I'll leave this one here too

Kimandmark

Thanks for the clarification. He actually has 9 different medications. Looks like its going to cost a fortune.
Thats even IF he was to get onto PBS.

Oh dear lol....

spouse of scouse

The Oz health system's hard to get your head around if you're used to the NHS, as it's completely different.

As far as I'm aware, someone in Oz on a spouse visa has full Medicare entitlements, which includes access to the PBS, so I don't think you have any worries on that score.

Just to complicate things more! There's another scheme for people who have high medical costs, ie those who need to visit their doctor often, need lots of tests etc. These are usually people who have chronic health conditions. This scheme is totally separate to the PBS, and your husband should be eligible for both I think. It's called the Medicare Safety Net - once you reach a certain threshold for GP, specialist (consultant) and test expenses, you get a higher Medicare rebate. More details here https://www.humanservices.gov.au/cus...are-safety-net

Kimandmark

Oh thanks so much, ill look into it. Fingers crossed

Kimandmark

The thing is, we have to show (for the spouse visa) that my husband is on LOW COST medication. So I'm thinking with all this we wouldn't stand a chance. We just don't want to pay the £4000 for the visa, then the medical costs for the visa, to then be refused on the basis that his medication won't be low cost.
We're more than happy to pay, but not throw all that money down the drain if he was to get declined because of his medication.
He is a veteran, but i don't think that counts as he's not an Australian veteran.
He would have his own income with his two pensions, which is like a weeks wage every week and would be looking to work full time. Then as I'm already an Australian citizen, i would be working anyway. So money isn't really a problem.
We just don't want to apply then get refused.
Thanks so much for helping

quoll

Talk to either George Lombard or Peter Bollard as they are agents who are usually on top of medical issues in visa applications, they're the guys who can offer you best advice

Kimandmark

Ok, thanks very much for all ur help

spouse of scouse

I totally get you not wanting to pay for a visa application that may be refused, I'd be exactly the same.

Quoll's advice is excellent, you really do need to consult an experienced and registered migration agent. The cost will be way less than (in worse case scenario) a rejected application.

I really do wish you the best of luck

Kimandmark

I will do. Thanks very much � ����