FAMILIES across Ipswich are starting the year with a welcome boost to both their household budgets and their health, with a range of new Medicare and cost-of-living measures now in effect.
The price of PBS prescription medicines for general patients has now been capped at $25, delivering the lowest cost in more than 20 years.
For many households in the Blair electorate, where chronic illness, ageing populations and family health needs all place pressure on budgets, the change is expected to make a real difference.
More than 42,000 extra cheaper prescriptions are forecast to be dispensed in Blair each year under the new cap, saving local residents more than $1.5 million annually.
Pensioners and concession card holders will continue to pay just $7.70 per script, with that price locked in until 2030, providing certainty for those on fixed incomes.
Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann said the reforms were designed to help people stay healthy without having to make difficult financial choices.
“People across Ipswich, the Somerset Region and Karana Downs will pay no more than $25 for a PBS medicine,”
Mr Neumann said. “That’s good news for their hip pocket and for their health.”
Alongside cheaper medicines, locals now have access to a new round-the-clock health advice service through 1800MEDICARE.
A new online mental health support platform also provides practical tools and guidance for people dealing with mild anxiety, stress or low mood, without needing a diagnosis or referral.
Run by St Vincent’s Health Australia, the service will expand from March 30 to include low-intensity cognitive behavioural therapy.
