Cost Recovery and Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) Process Improvements Information Forums
Page last updated: 14 January 2019
The Department of Health will be hosting information forums in both Sydney and Melbourne regarding amendments to cost recovery arrangements and improvements to listing processes for the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) and National Immunisation Program (NIP).
The sessions will outline the Government’s announcement through the Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook 2018-19 to amend the PBS/NIP cost recovery arrangements and provide information on the Cost Recovery Implementation Statement (CRIS). The sessions will also explain how the cost recovery changes align with process improvements being developed in line with the Strategic Agreement between the Commonwealth and Medicines Australia.
Further forums will be held in 2019 to provide more information on the detailed process changes and implementation schedule for cost recovery amendments and process improvements coming into effect from July 2019.
Sydney: Thursday 31st January 2019
Location: Holiday Inn Sydney Airport
Corner of O'Riordan Street &, Bourke Rd, Mascot NSW 2020
Time: 2pm – 4pm
Melbourne: Friday 1st February 2019
Location: Holiday Inn Melbourne Airport
10 - 14 Centre Road Melbourne Airport, Melbourne VIC 3045
Time: 10am – 12 noon
RSVP: Please confirm attendance/attendees via email by Thursday 24 January to ensure the venues can adequately cater to attendees: PBSImprovements@health.gov.au
Background
The Australian Government signed a five year Strategic Agreement with Medicines Australia recognising their commitment to a viable medicines sector in Australia and a sustainable PBS.
The Department of Health has been working with Medicines Australia and key stakeholders since late 2017, to deliver on commitments to streamline medicines listing processes and revise cost recovery arrangements as set out under Clause 10 of the Strategic Agreement.
Improved processes and revised cost recovery arrangements support the Government’s commitment under the Strategic Agreement to improve the transparency, timeliness and efficiency of Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) listing processes. Changes will ensure that Australians continue to receive timely and affordable access to necessary medicines.
