PBS Safety net thresholds on Pharmaceutical benefits -

Information from: http://www1.health.gov.au/pbs/contents/explain5.htm
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http://www.medicareaustralia.gov.au/yourhe..._safety_net.htm

There are two safety net thresholds - one for general patients and the other for Concession Card patients.

The general patient safety net threshold for 2006 is $932.10 (2005 was $874.90). When patients and/or their families reach this amount, they can apply for a Safety Net Concession Card and pay only $4.70 per prescription for the rest of the calendar year.

The concessional safety net threshold for 2005 is $239.20 (this also applies to gold, white and orange card-holders under the RPBS). Once patients and/or their families reach this amount, they can apply for a Safety Net Entitlement Card and receive items free of charge for the rest of the calendar year.

For 2006, the co-payment for subsidised drugs will rise be $29.50 for general patients, and $4.70 for concession patients.

Brand premiums, therapeutic group premiums and special patient contributions do not count towards the safety net thresholds.

The thresholds may be adjusted on 1 January each year in line with inflation.