Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme Under Co-payment Data

Page last updated: 19 December 2024

From 1 April 2012, approved suppliers of Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) medicines are required to provide the Australian Government, with data on PBS prescriptions that are priced below the general co-payment level (under co-payment prescriptions). Details of the amending legislation that was enacted on 23 November 2010 can be found at National Health Amendment (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme ) Act 2010.
The collection of under co-payment prescription information enhances the Department of Health PBS data set and provides a valuable additional tool for health policy planning, monitoring risk management protocols, pharmacovigilance and monitoring the quality use of medicines in the community.

Prior to April 2012, PBS prescription data was only collected for prescriptions that received a Government subsidy. The information being collected about under co-payment prescriptions is the same as that collected for subsidised prescriptions.

For more information, you can email PBS Stats at the Department of Health and Aged Care, or, call Services Australia on 13 22 90 (call charges may apply), or visit the Services Australia website.

 Report on PBS/RPBS Under Co-payment Prescription Data