Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) in Victoria
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Commonwealth Acts of Parliament, federal regulations, and official government guidance. State-level information reflects each state's own Acts and court decisions. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) subsidises the cost of most prescription medicines in Australia. It is established under Part VII of the National Health Act 1953 and administered by Services Australia.
Under the PBS, you pay a maximum co-payment for each prescription:
- General patients: up to $31.60 per prescription
- Concession card holders: up to $7.70 per prescription
If your total PBS spending in a calendar year exceeds the PBS Safety Net threshold, your costs drop further:
- General patients: once you spend $1,637.20, the co-payment drops to the concession rate for the rest of the year
- Concession card holders: once you fill 48 prescriptions (or spend $369.60), PBS medicines become free for the rest of the year
Not every medicine is on the PBS. A medicine must be assessed by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) and listed on the PBS Schedule before it can be subsidised.
When does it apply?
- You hold a valid Medicare card.
- Your doctor prescribes a medicine that is listed on the PBS Schedule.
- If you hold a Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card, or Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, you pay the lower concession co-payment.
What to Do If Your Prescription Medicine Is Too Expensive Under the PBS in Australia
- Present your Medicare card and any concession card at the pharmacy when filling a PBS prescription.
- Ask your pharmacist if a cheaper brand (generic) of your medicine is available on the PBS — the active ingredient is the same.
- Keep records of every PBS prescription you fill to track your progress toward the Safety Net threshold.
- Register your family as a Safety Net family through Services Australia so all family members' prescriptions count toward the same threshold.
- Request a Safety Net card once you reach the threshold — your pharmacist can help you apply.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't assume every medicine is subsidised — only medicines listed on the PBS Schedule are covered.
- Don't forget your concession card at the pharmacy — without it, you will be charged the general co-payment.
- Don't stockpile medicines — PBS rules generally limit you to one month's supply per prescription.
- Don't throw away receipts — you need them to prove your spending if applying for the Safety Net.
How Victoria differs from federal law
The PBS is a federal program. Victoria has over 2,000 community pharmacies dispensing PBS medicines, plus public hospital pharmacies and state-funded pharmaceutical services.
- Victorian public hospitals provide discharge medicines and outpatient pharmacy services, often at PBS-equivalent prices or free of charge for public patients.
- Victoria's Pharmacotherapy Program (opioid substitution therapy — methadone and buprenorphine) is delivered through community pharmacies and public health services. Victoria has the most extensive pharmacotherapy network in Australia.
- The Pharmacy Regulation Act 2010 (Vic) regulates pharmacy ownership, operations, and professional standards in Victoria.
- Victoria funds public dental pharmacare — patients attending Victorian public dental clinics can receive prescribed medications as part of their treatment at reduced or no cost.
Additional Steps in Victoria
Present your Medicare and concession cards at the pharmacy for PBS pricing. Check pbs.gov.au for listed medicines. For pharmacy complaints, contact the Pharmacy Board of Australia or the Health Complaints Commissioner (1300 582 113).
Relevant Law: National Health Act 1953 (Cth), Part VII; Pharmacy Regulation Act 2010 (Vic); Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act 1981 (Vic)
Common Questions
When does pharmaceutical benefits scheme (pbs) apply?
You hold a valid Medicare card.Your doctor prescribes a medicine that is listed on the PBS Schedule.If you hold a Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card, or Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, you pay the lower concession co-payment.
What should I do if my prescription costs more than expected or is not covered by the PBS in Australia?
Present your Medicare card and any concession card at the pharmacy when filling a PBS prescription.Ask your pharmacist if a cheaper brand (generic) of your medicine is available on the PBS — the active ingredient is the same.Keep records of every PBS prescription you fill to track your progress toward the Safety Net threshold.Register your family as a Safety Net family through Services Australia so all family members' prescriptions count toward the same threshold.Request a Safety Net card once you reach the threshold — your pharmacist can help you apply.
What mistakes should I avoid with pharmaceutical benefits scheme (pbs)?
Don't assume every medicine is subsidised — only medicines listed on the PBS Schedule are covered.Don't forget your concession card at the pharmacy — without it, you will be charged the general co-payment.Don't stockpile medicines — PBS rules generally limit you to one month's supply per prescription.Don't throw away receipts — you need them to prove your spending if applying for the Safety Net.
Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) in other states
Same topic, different jurisdiction. Pick the one that applies to you.