PBS safety net and access changes

1 January 2009

Changes to the PBS Safety Net and PBS access from overseas

PBS Safety Net changes

From 1 January 2009, Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) Safety Net families can include same-sex de facto partners.

From 1 January 2009, couples living separately due to illness, infirmity or frailty (eg. for nursing care or in a residential or aged care facility) can access PBS Safety Net benefits jointly as a family in the same manner as if they were living together.

PBS Access — government officers working overseas

PBS medicines can now be supplied for eligible Commonwealth, state or territory government officers working overseas, and for their accompanying spouses and dependants.  PBS medicines supplied for this purpose can be taken or sent out of Australia in quantities required for personal use.

For more information on these changes:

• Visit the Department of Health and Ageing website www.health.gov.au/pbs
• Visit the Medicate Australia website at www.medicareaustralia.gov.au
• Call the PBS Information Line on 1800 020 613 (free call within Australia)
• Email enquiries to: pbs@health.gov.au