PBS Information Line
For further information on fees, patient contributions, benefit items and safety net thresholds — Free call 1800 020 613
Enquiries from the media
The contact phone number for all enquiries on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme from the media is (02) 6289 7400.
PBS email address
Email: pbs@health.gov.au
If you have any questions or comments relating to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme
(PBS), these can be addressed to the email address above. Please note that as this
site often receives large amounts of correspondence, it may be some weeks before you
receive a response.
While the Department of Health and Aged Care can provide information about medicines
listed on the PBS and about the Scheme’s operations, for medical advice tailored to
individual circumstances, including recommendations about the suitability of particular
medicines for specific conditions, patients should consult their medical professionals.
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Subscribe to receive email notification of news and updated publications available through this website.
General or concessional status?
Australian residents who hold Australian Government concession cards are entitled to purchase PBS medicines at a concessional (lower) rate instead of the general patient rate. If you are uncertain about whether you would be eligible for such a concession card, visit your most convenient Centrelink office or phone Centrelink on 13 23 00.
Veterans’ pharmaceutical entitlements
Eligible veterans and families can obtain information about their entitlements to subsidised medicines and wound care items under the Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (RPBS) by phoning the Veterans’ Affairs Pharmaceutical Advisory Centre (VAPAC) on 1800 552 580.
The regulation of medicines and medical devices in Australia
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is responsible for the:
- safety and quality of medicines (prescription, complementary and over-the-counter) and medical devices,
- import and export of medicines, including persons travelling with medicines to and from Australia,
- advertising of medicines and medical devices, and
- monitoring reports of adverse reactions to medicines and medical devices.
For information on the regulation of medicines and devices in Australia, please refer to the TGA website.
Medicare cards
To find out how to apply for a Medicare card you can either visit the Services Australia website, phone 13 20 11 or visit your local Medicare office.
National Medicines Policy (NMP)
Email: NMP@health.gov.au
Contact the NMP Strategies Section to order publications relevant to the NMP. Publications are also available in PDF format.
ACPA
Email: ACPAmail@health.gov.au
For information on applications to relocate or establish pharmacy approvals, general queries about the Rules relating to these approvals, or for the submission of electronic information please visit the PBS Approved Suppliers website.
Ministerial Discretion on Pharmacy Location
Email: 90Apharmacy@health.gov.au
For information on Ministerial Discretion please visit the PBS Approved Suppliers website or contact Ministerial Discretion using the email address above for any questions you may have.
Travelling Overseas with PBS Medicine
Travelling with PBS medicineenquiry line on 1800 500 147 (call charges may apply).
