2016 SAFETYNET
YOUR SAFETYNET EXPLAINED
CHANGES TO THE SAFETYNET IN 2016: From 1st January 2016, the Australian Government is allowing pharmacies to discount the PBS co-payment by up to $1. Any discount must be paid for by the pharmacy, with the Government saving money by not counting the discount towards the Safety Net.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN? For Safety Net patients, the optional $1 discount will delay your access to free medicines and reduce the length of time you are eligible for free medicines.
HOW DOES THIS EFFECT CONCESSION CARD HOLDERS?
As a concession cardholder, if you continue to pay the standard co-payment (paying $6.20 per script), you will reach the Safety Net threshold after 60 prescriptions.
If your medicines are discounted by $1 (paying $5.20 per script), you will only reach the Safety Net threshold after 71 prescriptions – you must pay for an additional 11 prescriptions that would otherwise have been free of charge. A concession patient who normally reaches their Safety Net in mid-August will likely have to wait until October before they are eligible for free prescriptions.
2016 SAFETYNET
IF YOU PAY
IF YOU PAY
$5.20
$6.20
YOU WILL NEED
YOU WILL NEED
PER SCRIPT
71
SCRIPTS TO REACH FREE CARD
FREE CARD
PER SCRIPT
60
SCRIPTS TO REACH FREE CARD
the choice is yours Barone Pharmacy are committed to providing real value and service to you and will work to ensure you can make the best use of the Safety Net entitlement. You are welcome to discuss your options with our pharmacists who will work with you to best meet your prescription needs.
HOW TO CONTACT US: Woodcroft
Shop 13 Woodcroft Plaza, Woodcroft Mon - Fri 8:30am - 9pm Sat - Sun 9am - 8pm 9621 3079
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